taxidermy form measurements

[adamR]

So as I stated in another thread I am trying to mount a deer for the first time.

One of the things I've already learned is I should have gotten measurements before I skinned the head but I didn't know I was going to be mounting it, I was under the impression I would be doing a European mount.  So I'm looking into buying the shoulder mount form and I see all kinds of measurements and they vary ALOT.  So my question is, now that I've passed the point of measuring is there a way to get me close?  If I showed a picture of the buck I'm mounting could you experienced taxidermists give me a rough extimate of the size form I might need?  Or, is there a way of measuring just the hide, like eye to eye or length to the nose that might get me close?  I realize it won't be the perfect size and I'm going to have to do some forming of my own but I want it to be somewhat close.  Thanks again!

[Skyvalhunter]

IM Michelle or one of the other taxidermists on here

[boneaddict]

You can still get pretty close.   Just make sure the way you lay it out that its not stretched and that its even. Then go for it.   

[boneaddict]

all is not lost.  MANY mounts are caped in the field and measured later

[Ballance1]

When you get the cape back from the tannery rehydrate it and take a nose to eye measurement, lay the cape flat on its chest/neck and stretch it as best as possible and take a measurement tight behind the ears.  There usuually  is a picture of this in the mckenzie catalogue.  Use at least those 2 measurements to order your form

[BOWHUNTER45]

When you caped it out did you cut it all the way down the back of the neck or did you just cut enough down the neck to get its head off the cape ?

[adamR]

it was split all the way up the back to the antler bases

thanks for your help guys