Caping a deer head is not difficult but it does require a bit of practice to get the hang of it. The first step is to use a sharp knife to make a cut around the deer’s neck just behind the ears. Next you need to carefully skin the head being careful not to cut into the meat. Once the head is skinned you will need to remove the eyes nose and mouth. These can be done by using a sharp knife to cut them out or by using a dermal saw.
After the eyes nose and mouth have been removed you can begin to work on the antlers. You will need to remove the skin and flesh from the antlers being careful not to damage the bone. Once the antlers are clean you can start to work on the ears. You will need to remove the cartilage from the inside of the ears and then you can begin to work on the cape.
The cape is the skin that will be used to mount the deer head. You will need to carefully remove the cape being careful not to damage it. Once the cape is removed you will need to turn it inside out. This is done by making a cut down the middle of the back of the neck and then carefully flipping the skin inside out.
Once the cape is turned inside out you will need to salt it. This is done by sprinkling salt on the inside of the cape and then letting it sit for a few hours. After the cape has been salted you will need to rinse it off with cold water.
The next step is to start the process of drying the cape. This is done by hanging the cape in a cool dark place. The cape should be hung upside down and it should be allowed to air dry for several weeks.
Once the cape is completely dry you can start to work on the eyes. You will need to purchase some glass eyes or you can carve them out of wood. Once the eyes are in place you can start to work on the nose. You will need to purchase a deer nose or you can carve one out of wood.
The last step is to work on the antlers. You will need to purchase some real deer antlers or you can carve them out of wood. Once the antlers are in place you can start to work on the ears. You will need to purchase some real deer ears or you can carve them out of wood.
Once the ears are in place you can start to work on the mounting process. This is done by attaching the cape to a piece of wood and then attaching the antlers to the wood. The deer head is then ready to be mounted on the wall.
What supplies do you need to cape a deer head?
A sharp knife a pair of pliers and either a drill or a saw.
How do you remove the deer head from the body?
Cut through the skin around the neck then carefully remove the head while trying to avoid damaging the cape.
How do you remove the antlers from the deer head?
Cut through the skin around the base of the antlers then carefully remove them.
How do you remove the eyes from the deer head?
Cut through the skin around the eyes then carefully remove them.
How do you remove the nose from the deer head?
Cut through the skin around the nose then carefully remove it.
How do you remove the lips from the deer head?
Cut through the skin around the lips then carefully remove them.
How do you remove the ears from the deer head?
Cut through the skin around the ears then carefully remove them.
How do you remove the brains from the deer head?
Cut through the skin around the base of the skull then carefully remove the brains.
How do you remove the meat from the deer head?
Cut through the skin around the neck then carefully remove the meat.
How do you remove the fur from the deer head?
Use a sharp knife to carefully skin the head being careful not to damage the fur.
How do you clean the deer head?
Soak the head in a mixture of water and bleach for 24 hours then rinse it off and allow it to dry.
How do you prepare the deer head for mounting?
Cut off the excess skin and fur around the neck then drill holes in the skull for mounting.
How do you mount the deer head?
Screw or nail the deer head to a piece of wood or wall.
How do you preserve the deer head?
Rub the entire head with a mixture of salt Borax and water then allow it to dry.
How do you display the deer head?
Hang the deer head on a wall or in a trophy case.
