Field Caping Instructions for Hunters

Proper field caping is critical for a quality mount. Share these instructions with your clients.


For Shoulder Mounts - The Y-Incision Method:

  • Cut around the body well behind the front legs (6-8 inches behind the leg pit)
  • Cut up the back of each front leg to the brisket cut
  • Cut up the back of the neck to the base of the antlers
  • Split the Y around each antler base
  • Skin forward carefully around the eyes, nose, and lips
  • Leave the ear cartilage attached to the cape - do not cut ears off at the base

  • Critical Tips:

  • Use a sharp knife with a short blade for detail work around the face
  • Leave extra cape - you can always trim but you cannot add material
  • Do not cut the throat for bleeding if planning a shoulder mount
  • Cool the cape as quickly as possible after removal

  • Storage After Caping:

  • If getting to a taxidermist within hours: keep cool in a game bag
  • If not: salt the flesh side generously with non-iodized salt
  • Fold flesh-to-flesh and place in a plastic bag in a cooler with ice
  • Freeze as soon as possible - a frozen cape keeps for over a year
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