Can you cape a deer in a hurry?

Planning and Preparation

When rushing to cape a deer, having the right tools at hand is essential. You’ll need a good quality skinning knife, preferably around 6 inches long with a curved blade, and a pair of sharp boning shears. It’s also crucial to have a clean, stable workspace and a few basic supplies like twine or wire for holding the skin in place during the caping process.

The Caping Process

To cape a deer quickly and effectively, follow these basic steps:

• Position the deer on its back and make a shallow incision along the spine, from the base of the neck to the rump, being careful not to cut too deeply into the meat.
• Use your knife to carefully remove the skin from the deer, working from the incision downwards, taking care to preserve the skin’s natural shape and texture.
• Continue removing the skin, keeping it as intact as possible and making sure not to damage the hide.

Preserving the Cape

Once you have your cape, it’s crucial to preserve it properly to prevent spoilage and damage. This can be done through a combination of salting and freezing. First, use a mixture of kosher salt and water to create a brine solution, and apply it evenly to the cape, making sure to cover all surfaces. Allow the cape to sit for several days, periodically checking on it and flipping the skin to ensure even salting. After the salting process is complete, hang the cape to dry or freeze it for later use. When freezing, wrap the cape tightly in plastic or a sealable bag to prevent freezer burn. This will help maintain the cape’s quality and ensure it’s ready for delivery to a taxidermist.

Final Touches

If you plan to have your deer mounted by a taxidermist, it’s essential to present the cape in the best possible condition. Remove any excess fat or tissue, and trim the edges to create a clean, even finish. This will help the taxidermist achieve a more realistic and durable mount.