This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of caping a deer, providing detailed instructions and diagrams to ensure a successful outcome. Caping, the process of removing the hide from a deer's head and neck, is a crucial step in taxidermy, preserving the animal's head for mounting. Whether you're a seasoned taxidermist or a beginner, understanding the proper techniques is essential for achieving a high-quality mount.
Preparing for the Caping Process
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools:
- Sharp knife: A scalpel or a very sharp, flexible skinning knife is ideal. Dull blades will tear the hide.
- Scissors: For trimming and cleaning up edges.
- Fleshing tool: For removing excess fat and meat from the hide.
- Borax or non-iodized salt: For preserving the cape.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from bacteria and potential cuts.
- Plastic bags: For storing the cape and keeping it clean.
Important Considerations:
- Work in a cool, clean environment: This helps prevent the cape from spoiling.
- Handle the cape carefully: Avoid excessive stretching or tearing.
- Keep your tools sharp: Sharp tools ensure clean cuts and prevent damage.
Step-by-Step Caping Instructions with Diagrams
The following steps are crucial for a successful cape job. Pay close attention to detail and refer to the diagrams provided to visualize each step.
Step 1: Initial Incisions
Make an incision around the base of the antlers. Extend this incision down the back of the neck to the base of the ears. A clean, precise incision is essential to prevent damage to the hide. (See Diagram 1 below)
(Diagram 1: Initial Incisions)
____
| | Antlers
| |
|----|---- Incision around base of antlers
| |
| |
------ Incision down the back of neck
Step 2: Skinning the Head
Carefully begin skinning the head, working your way from the initial incisions toward the eyes and nose. Use your knife to separate the hide from the skull. Avoid cutting into the skull, and work slowly and methodically. (See Diagram 2)
(Diagram 2: Skinning the Head)
O O Eyes
/ \
| |
| | --- Skin being separated from skull
\ /
\ /
--- Nose
Step 3: Removing the Ears
Once the hide is loosened around the head, carefully cut around the base of each ear. Peel the ears away from the skull and carefully separate the hide from the cartilage. Leave the hide attached to the ear butts (base of the ears). (See Diagram 3)
(Diagram 3: Removing the Ears)
____
| | Ear
| |
|----|---- Cut around base of ear
| |
| |
------
Step 4: Working on the Neck
Continue skinning down the neck, separating the hide from the muscle and bone. This requires careful work to prevent tearing. Be especially cautious around the throat area. It's often beneficial to make small incisions along the way to free up the hide.
Step 5: Lip Split
Carefully make an incision from the nose, along the upper lip and down the chin. It's important to make a small, straight split that you can neatly stitch closed after.
Step 6: Cleaning and Finishing
Once the hide is completely removed, carefully remove any remaining fat and tissue from the inside of the hide using a fleshing tool. This step is critical for preventing rotting and producing a quality mount. Apply borax or salt liberally to the flesh side of the hide to preserve it. Roll the cape up carefully and place it into a plastic bag for storage.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Tears in the Hide: This usually happens due to using a dull knife or pulling too hard. Prevent this by using sharp tools and working slowly and carefully.
- Leaving Excess Fat: Failure to remove excess fat will cause the cape to spoil. Thorough fleshing is essential.
- Damage to the Eyes or Antlers: Be extra cautious around these areas, as they are particularly delicate.
This detailed guide, coupled with careful attention to detail, will ensure a successful caping process. Remember, practice makes perfect. With each deer you cape, your technique will improve. Consult additional resources and experienced taxidermists for further guidance.