MN deer opener

[Auggie]

Any questions out there with the MN deer opener coming upon us so quickly? Feel free to give me a call, email or PM if you do. Good luck to everyone and be safe!!!!

[Mayfly]

Proper care and ideal way to cape your trophy!?

 

[Auggie]

Well Tim, for starters:

1.Please do not drive around with your trophy in the back of the truck for days showing it off to your buddies. This is especially true in warm weather. Get to your taxidermist (preferably me) ASAP! If you cant, get the deer skinned up the neck as far as possible and get it frozen. For complete skinning instructions visit my website (www.wallhangerstaxidermystudio.com)before the hunt. It even has diagrams for you Tim!!!  ;)Most taxidermists would prefer to cape the skin off the skull themselves and it may save you in the long run. Most do not charge extra if they will be mounting the deer in question. If you are hunting out of state it still may be a good idea to pay a professional a few bucks as it may save you a few bucks in the end.

2.Please do not cut the throat. It will be an unnecessary and costly repair.

3.Do not hang by the antlers or neck. I have had many people come in with busted antlers and ruined capes because of this. Again a costly repair that was completely unnecessary.

4.Do not cut up the brisket to far when you field dress your deer.

5.Take care when removing from the field. A common mistake I see hunters make is hooking the deer they just bagged to the back of an ATV and dragging it out of the woods. Get some help or use a cart. With some help the deer can be lifted high enough to not leave drag marks on the cape if care is taken. Most of you hunt an area that is in fairly close proximity to your vehicle. So try and avoid dragging at all costs.

Try not to let the excitement of the hunt and the huge rush of finally bagging your trophy overcome good judgement. In the end it will hurt not only your pocket book but the quality of your mount. These are just a few of the basics and most common problems I see each year. My website has a pretty decent field care guide that is able to be printed and free for the taking if you have more questions.
And again, feel free to call if you have a question. Be safe and good luck. I hope to see many of you this fall!!!