Question for Taxidermist

[grundy53]

So I know I'm getting ahead of myself but I would like to know my options. I have a Washington moose tag. If I'm fortunate to fill my tag I'm going to have to decide between a shoulder mount or a euro mount. I'm worried that if I decide to do a euro then someday change my mind that I won't be able to get a Cape for it. So my question is can you use a cape from another sub species of moose? Like a Eastern or Yukon? Or would that look too goofy? The reason I ask is because I assume those capes are more prevalent. What do you guys think?

[hunter399]

Well you might be able to get a cape down the road from a cow permit holder .Then you'll have one of those pro gender moose.

[brew]

got my washington bull moose in a euro mount...do you have any idea how big a moose shoulder mount would be ?  at that time i shot it there was no way it would fit in my house...unless i had a big lodge with raised ceilings i wouldn't get a shoulder mount

[Westside88]

Maybe tan the cape just in case you decide later you want a shoulder mount? I’ve considered this option for elk, just a thought

[grundy53]

got my washington bull moose in a euro mount...do you have any idea how big a moose shoulder mount would be ?  at that time i shot it there was no way it would fit in my house...unless i had a big lodge with raised ceilings i wouldn't get a shoulder mount

I have vaulted ceilings. Plus. I could always get a new house to fit my moose.

[Jpmiller]

got my washington bull moose in a euro mount...do you have any idea how big a moose shoulder mount would be ?  at that time i shot it there was no way it would fit in my house...unless i had a big lodge with raised ceilings i wouldn't get a shoulder mount

I have vaulted ceilings. Plus. I could always get a new house to fit my moose.

New house to fit the moose!

I think how monsterous it is would be half the appeal of it. Saw on once the guy had it mounted right above the baseboards lol

[BULLBLASTER]

Whatever you decide please save the cape for a taxidermist if you aren’t going to be using it.

I think that you may get by with a Canada Moose (still a difference) cape but an Alaska or Yukon would be too different

If you decided later down the road to shoulder mount it your taxi should be able to find a cape but it won’t be cheap. 

[PlateauNDN]

got my washington bull moose in a euro mount...do you have any idea how big a moose shoulder mount would be ?  at that time i shot it there was no way it would fit in my house...unless i had a big lodge with raised ceilings i wouldn't get a shoulder mount

I have vaulted ceilings. Plus. I could always get a new house to fit my moose.

  that's obviously the only feasible option.

[Pinetar]

Maybe tan the cape just in case you decide later you want a shoulder mount? I’ve considered this option for elk, just a thought

  Seems like the best option. Good luck on your hunt!!

[JakeLand]

Do a shoulder mount on A pedastal then you just have to figure out what corner to put it in

[shootem]

Whatever you decide please save the cape for a taxidermist if you aren’t going to be using it.

I think that you may get by with a Canada Moose (still a difference) cape but an Alaska or Yukon would be too different

If you decided later down the road to shoulder mount it your taxi should be able to find a cape but it won’t be cheap. 

I absolutely agree with BULLBLASTER about saving your cape for a taxi. Talk to your favorite one or if you don't have one talk to a couple.
Someone wants your cape just like you might want one in the future.

[BlackRiverTaxidermy]

Grundy,
First off, congrats on the tag! To answer your question there are several options. If you looking for a euro then I am sure if you bring back a usable cape from your bull, someone will work a deal with you. I take in lots of capes from elk, blacktails, mulies, and especially moose. I offer free euro on the animal in exchange for the cape, given its in good condition. The other option is exactly what several have suggested here. Have your taxidermist prep and wet tan the cape. A wet tanned cape, packaged properly, can last quite a few years in the freezer with no problems; so if down the road you change your mind and want to have it mounted up it would be possible. Shiras capes are one of the harder ones to find for a moose. You CAN use an Alaskan or Yukon, however their are usually quite a bit bigger and aren't, typically, as dark in color.
The final option is 'just send it' and go with a shoulder mount. There are all kinds of options to accommodate low ceiling space such as a sneaked position or pedestal. But yes....I won't lie, even a small moose takes up some serious real estate on the wall.
Best of luck this year! Joel/BRT

[jackelope]

My goat is currently euro'd with the cape and all at the taxidermist. I'm having a wall pedestal done but it's going to take a little while to get done. If I was you, I'd save the cape and have it tanned for the taxi. That way you have it if you decide in a few years or whatever that you want to shoulder mount it. It doesn't cost too much and it's a once in a lifetime thing!!

[grundy53]

Thanks for the advice guy's. It's very helpful. I'll probably go with a shoulder mount unless I screw up the cape some how. On that note are there any tips for storing the cape for a couple days without a refrigerator or freezer in early October temperatures?

[grundy53]

Also, if I were to go the Pedestal route could it be converted to a wall mount in the future?