My New Mexico elk hunt (previously known as big bull down)

[Michelle_Nelson]

   You didn't split the lips?  Oh your screwed now.  Not going to be a hair left on that entire cape!

Naaaaa, I will probably be alright!  Though you can realy never tell when a cape is going to slip.  Usually it is a suprise when it does.  Proper field care is the best insurance you can have.

[boneaddict]

So far its solid.  I'm on day three of pickle and shaving.  The lips were hard to split with the salt dehydrating them as you would guess, even after re-hydrating.  I haven't mastered the whole open mouth bugling either with tucking lips versu closed mouth if you know what I mean.  As a professional, you would be appalled I'm sure. I did ok with getting it thinned out and the red meat out of the nose, lips mouth etc.   I am proud of my ears this time.  Much better than normal.  I still managed to rip through the end of one.  Just makes for bigger mess with the bondo.   

[elkaholic]

bone,'
do you take pics as you progress?  I caped my first deer last year and would like to experiment this year with a shoulder mount? Bought a video but its pretty hoaky!!!

[boneaddict]

I haven't.....could as long as Michelle didn't look.  I'll be doing a deer or two in a week or two (hopefully a fresh one) and I will get some shots then.

[Michelle_Nelson]

   Why don't ya take me up on my offer to bring that bad boy down here to my shop and let me show ya what I know.   

[boneaddict]

My wife would hang me up by my swizel stick if I even mentioned it.

[Michelle_Nelson]

I guess if I was just another dude doing taxidermy than she wouldn't mind as much!  Thats between her and you but the offer still stands!

  I get tired of the wives jealousy thing.  Thats why I can never find anyone to go hunting with.  The wives always freek out like somethings gonna happen!  It's either that or I get the feeling it's not the cool thing for women to tag along on a hunting trip.

[boneaddict]

Honestly she is jealous enough that I would hang even if she thought you were Bubba from Alabama.  Once she found out you were a gal, she'd be doing some taxidermy on her own.  I hear you though.  I'm going to hit you up for some tips.  I have some paint schedules I want to talk to you about, and I know I will run into issues with a few things on this bull that I would like to get your opinion on.  Feel free to tell me to take a hike since I'm dipping into your business, but would really appreciate talking over things with you.

[Michelle_Nelson]

I have no problem giving advice and explaining how to do things.  Some things you just can't explain and the easiest way is to be shown. 

[elkaholic]

Look forward to the pics. Wish I was closer so I could get some one on one instruction.  The buck I caped out last year, I actually did ok on.  I am going to try and cape as many animals out this year for practice.
Michelle, do you offer class's ever?

[Michelle_Nelson]

I've been thinking about it.

[actionshooter]

I've been thinking about it.

No one that I know offers classes anywhere near Olympia. Mac used to but he passed a couple of years ago.
I would think you would get a few takers.

[boneaddict]

Got him shaved, but could have done more, and is tanning using the Mckenzie tan.  He will go in the freezer tonight.  My biorthday is coming up, so begging for a form and eyes for my present.  I was going to do open mouth, but saw another that I really liked and might just go with it.  Once I am back from chasing moose, I'll scan a pic of the form I want.   Still trying to decided bugling or not.  Makes it much easier if I don't.

[T-ROY]

Mckenzie tan is that like a lutan-f tan?  I used  vandykes lutan-f  this  spring on some pelts and has impressed how well they turned out. lutan is a 3 day  minimium  pickle  also.

[boneaddict]

Very similiar I'm sure.  I haven't used the lutan F.  I used another out of Research Manniquins, but can't remember what it was.