If you are unable to bring the animal directly to me, you need to cape and freeze the skin as soon as possible. Feel free to call me (417-345-6148) for caping instructions or refer to directions below.

With sharp knife slit the hide circling the body behind the shoulder at approximately the mid-way point of the rib cage behind the front legs. Slit the skin around the legs just above the knees. An additional slit will be needed from the back of the leg and joining the body cut behind the legs. (Figure 2A and 2B).

Peel the skin forward up to the ears and jaw exposing the head/neck junction. Cut into the neck approximately three inches down from this junction. Circle the neck cutting down to the spinal column. After this cut is complete, grasp the antler bases and twist the head off the neck. (Figure 3). This should allow the hide to be rolled up and put in a freezer until transported to me. These cuts should allow ample hide for me to work with in mounting. Remember, I can cut off excess hide but I cannot add length if hide is cut too short.