Quick Answer
It's recommended to wait 7-10 days before salting a deer cape to allow for initial skin moisture to evaporate and prevent spoilage, ensuring the best quality cape for a shoulder mount.
Initial Handling and Preparation
When caping a deer, it’s essential to work efficiently to prevent skin damage. Immediately after caping, the skin should be stretched out on a skinning board or a large, flat surface, and a gentle tension applied to remove excess moisture. This step helps prevent wrinkles and creases that can affect the final appearance of the mounted deer. It’s also crucial to carefully trim any excess fat and tissue from the skin’s edges.
Salt Preservation Timing
Allowing the cape to air dry for 7-10 days before salting is a widely accepted practice among taxidermists. This timeframe is critical in preventing spoilage and ensuring the skin’s integrity. If the skin is salted too soon, it may become compromised, leading to a lower-quality shoulder mount. Conversely, waiting too long can result in the skin becoming too brittle and prone to cracking.
Freezing and Taxidermist Prep
After salting, the cape should be frozen to a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or lower for a minimum of 30 days to slow bacterial growth and prevent further spoilage. Once frozen, the cape can be stored in airtight containers or plastic bags to maintain its quality. When the taxidermist receives the cape, they will typically rehydrate and stretch the skin before mounting it. The final mounted deer should be completed within a few weeks of receiving the cape.
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