Hunters!! PLEASE DON"T DO THIS!!

[cedarriver]

 With the hunting seasons fast approaching thought I would show a pic of what not to do. LOL. ( Elk shoulder mount with brisket cut out completely, Going to patch with other brisket hair from other elk, but hair length and color is hard to match.)
  This was actually skinned by a guide or outfitter, at least someone who should know better. Just because you might be going on a guided hunt, don't assume they know how to skin and take care of the animal for a mount. I had more than a couple skins that were taken care of poorly last year, by guides an outfitters. Educate yourself so you know where to make the cuts. It will save you and your taxidermist a lot of headaches and extra charges for repair or new capes. Good idea to ask your taxidermist how they want them skinned., saves us a lot of time.
 I've already taken in a sheep cape that's going to need extra repair this year. Not cheap to find a cape, like that.
  Hope this helps, Thanks, Rick

[pianoman9701]

Maybe a thread on tips for the hunter on this stuff?

[cedarriver]

 Already one up on this "Trophy Room" forum. Field care and Skinning. But it's still a good idea to talk to your taxidermist to see how they like them skinned.
Thanks, Rick

[huntnnw]

when in doubt cut your cape long!! my capes for shoulder mounts are cut back on the guy to middle ribs to be safe

[cedarriver]

when in doubt cut your cape long!! my capes for shoulder mounts are cut back on the guy to middle ribs to be safe

 Yes always leave us more ,we can always cut off what we don't need, but can't add if we don't have it. Other important thing is to stay out of the arm pits. Forms now days are longer,(bigger) in the shoulders, so please don't cut through the middle of the arm pit, cut on the outside edge of arm pit and down the back of the leg.