Introduction to Taxidermy
Taxidermy is more than just a method of preserving animal hides; it’s an art form that brings your hunting memories to life. For hunters, taxidermy offers a way to showcase their trophies and relive the excitement of the hunt. Whether you opt for a shoulder mount, a European mount, or a skull cap mount, each style has its unique charm and significance. A well-crafted mount can transform any room, turning it into a gallery of your hunting accomplishments. By preserving the animal in a lifelike state, taxidermy allows you to share your stories and experiences with others, making each mount a tangible piece of your hunting legacy.
Choosing the Right Mount for Your Trophy
When it comes to preserving the memory of a successful hunt, deciding between a cape mount and a skull cap mount is one of the first choices you’ll face. Each has its appeal, depending on your budget, available space, and the story you want that mount to tell. While some hunters go straight for the full shoulder mount, others prefer the rustic, stripped-down look of a skull cap. Neither choice is wrong, but understanding what each offers helps you make a call that fits your space, your budget, and your hunting style. Proper preparation for the next hunt can also influence your choice of mount, as thoughtful planning enhances the overall hunting experience and success in managing trophies.
Preparation for Mounting
Before you can mount your deer, proper preparation is crucial. Start by carefully skinning the animal, ensuring you avoid any damage to the hide. The type of mount you choose—be it a shoulder mount or a European mount—will dictate how you prepare the hide. For a shoulder mount, you’ll need a longer cape that includes the head and front shoulders. In contrast, a European mount requires a shorter cape, focusing on the skull and antlers. Store the hide in a cool, dry place to keep it in good condition, and avoid any tears or holes that could affect the final mount. Consulting with a skilled taxidermist can provide valuable guidance, ensuring your hide is prepped perfectly for the mounting process.
What Is a Cape Mount
A cape mount, also known as a shoulder mount, uses the animal’s head and front shoulder hide, typically posed with lifelike glass eyes and natural coloring. It’s the classic, full-featured option found in trophy rooms across the country. Cape mounts showcase not only antler size but also facial features, fur, and expression. They can be positioned in different poses like upright, sneak, or semi-sneak to match wall height or preferred angle. The realism of a cape mount makes it feel like the animal is still alive in some small way. The caping process is crucial for achieving a high-quality cape mount, as it involves careful skinning techniques to preserve the hide's integrity and ensure a lifelike appearance.
What Is a Skull Cap Mount
A skull cap mount involves removing just the top portion of the skull with the antlers attached, then mounting it on a wooden plaque or shield. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to display antlers without needing a taxidermist. These mounts are easier to make at home and are often used when a hunter wants to remember a deer but doesn’t have the wall space or desire for a full shoulder mount. Skull caps can be dressed up with stain, felt, or barnwood, or kept raw for a minimalist look. Properly handling the antler bases during this process is crucial to avoid damaging the tough skin and tight connection between the hide and the antler pedicle.
Materials and Tools
Mounting a deer requires a specific set of tools and materials to ensure a high-quality result. A sharp knife is essential for precise skinning, while a skinning knife and fleshing tool help remove excess flesh and fat from the hide. You’ll also need a wire hanger, a drill, and a saw for various stages of the mounting process. For a European mount, a skull hooker is indispensable for securing the skull to the mount. To keep the hide in good condition, store it in a plastic bag or a wet cape, preventing it from drying out. A deep freeze is another excellent option for preserving the cape until you’re ready to proceed with the mounting.
Safety Precautions
Handling and preparing animal hides come with certain risks, so it’s vital to take appropriate safety precautions. Always wear gloves when working with the hide to protect yourself from potential injuries and diseases. Regularly clean and disinfect your tools and equipment to prevent contamination. Store the hide in a cool, dry place, and be mindful of cross-contamination with other animals. Additionally, be aware of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and follow state regulations for handling and transporting deer heads to prevent its spread. By taking these precautions, you can ensure a safe and successful mounting process.
Cost and Time Considerations
Cape mounts are more expensive, often running several hundred dollars or more, depending on the taxidermist and animal size. They also take months to complete. Skull caps, on the other hand, can be done in an afternoon with a saw, some screws, and a plaque. If budget or turnaround time is a major factor, skull cap mounts are hard to beat. They still let you honor the animal and the hunt without the wait or the cost. However, money spent on a professional taxidermist is not wasted, as it contributes to preserving memories and provides sentimental value.
Space and Display Options
Not every home or camp has room for a wall full of shoulder mounts. Cape mounts take up more space and need thoughtful placement so they don’t crowd a room. Skull caps are more flexible—they fit in tighter spaces, group well with other antlers, and can even be rotated through seasonal displays. For smaller homes, sheds, or hunting cabins, skull caps offer a clean way to showcase multiple animals without overwhelming the space. Additionally, the importance of hanging techniques for displaying skull caps cannot be overstated, as modern methods allow for more dynamic and visually appealing displays.
Sentimental and Aesthetic Value
Cape mounts tell a fuller story. You see the color of the hide, the cut of the ears, the scars on the muzzle. It’s a way to honor a once-in-a-lifetime animal, a special trip, or a personal milestone. Skull caps are more about the rack itself—the shape, mass, and memory of the moment you saw it step into view. Some hunters prefer the simplicity and understated look, especially for does or management bucks. Others save cape mounts for the top-tier animals and use skull caps for everything else. Mounts serve as tangible reminders of great memories from hunting trips, encapsulating stories and cherished moments shared with family and friends.
DIY and Hands-On Appeal
Skull cap mounts appeal to the do-it-yourself hunter. Cutting, cleaning, and mounting the rack yourself connects you to the process and adds a sense of pride. Cape mounts require a taxidermist with training and tools. If you’re into woodworking or like customizing plaques, the skull cap route gives you full control. You can match them to cabin decor, mark them with hunt details, or even build a wall display for several seasons’ worth of deer. Having a good friend can be invaluable during the caping process, especially when handling challenging areas like the front legs and brisket.
Best Practices
Achieving a high-quality mount requires following best practices for skinning, fleshing, and mounting your deer. Take care to avoid damaging the hide during skinning, and use the right tools and techniques for fleshing. Consider the type of mount you want and prepare the hide accordingly, paying attention to details like the length of the cape and the position of the antlers. Working with a knowledgeable taxidermist can provide valuable insights and ensure your mount turns out beautifully. Whether you’re preserving a beautiful buck or a nice buck, following these best practices will help you create a stunning, lifelike display that captures the essence of your hunting experiences.
Finality and Commitment
A cape mount is a long-term decision. Once you cape out a deer for a shoulder mount, you’re committed to that process. Skull caps let you save the antlers without altering the hide or making a big commitment. That flexibility makes them appealing when you’re unsure whether the deer will make the wall or not. You can always decide later to upgrade to a full euro mount or another display option. Choosing a mount is a personal decision that reflects individual preferences and the sentimental value of the hunt.
Conclusion
Whether you choose a cape mount or a skull cap, you're preserving the memory of a hunt and honoring the animal. Cape mounts offer realism, presence, and tradition. Skull caps deliver flexibility, simplicity, and cost savings. The best choice comes down to what that hunt meant to you, how much room you have on the wall, and how you want to remember the moment. There's no wrong answer—only the one that makes you smile every time you walk past it.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a cape mount and a skull cap
A cape mount includes the head and shoulders of the animal, mounted lifelike. A skull cap is just the antlers attached to the top of the skull, often placed on a plaque.
Preserving the entire cape is crucial for a high-quality shoulder mount, as it must be properly fleshed before salting to ensure optimal preservation and prevent hair slippage.
Is a skull cap cheaper than a cape mount
Yes. Skull caps are significantly cheaper and can often be done at home with minimal tools and materials. However, the caping process, which involves carefully removing the hide from the animal's head, is crucial for a high-quality cape mount. Proper caping can influence both the cost and the final appearance of the mounted trophy, as it prevents spoilage and damage to the hide.
Can I switch from a skull cap to a full mount later
Not easily. Once you remove the cape and clean the skull cap, you usually can’t turn it into a full mount without another hide. Additionally, switching to a full mount may require a new cape if the original hide is not preserved.
When should I choose a cape mount
Cape mounts are best for memorable hunts, unique deer, or when you want a lifelike display with facial features and expression.
The caping process is crucial for achieving a high-quality cape mount, as it involves careful handling and precise techniques to preserve the hide's integrity.
Are skull caps good for kids or first deer
Yes. They’re affordable, easy to make, and still let you preserve the moment without a big investment or wait.
Additionally, learning the caping process can be beneficial for young hunters, as it teaches them essential skills for achieving a high-quality trophy mount.