THE PROPER CARE FOR YOUR TROPHY ANIMAL 
by Bob Juleson 



This information is just one way, and is not to be taken as the only way, to care for your trophy animal. Improper care of your animal could mean more money you pay. This information will help you to get your deer cape off the carcass and into a refrigerated appliance or to your taxidermist.

The following steps will assist you in the proper care of your Trophy deer when you are ready to remove the cape. 


   1) Make an incision at the fourth or fifth rib behind the shoulder. Make the cut going around the girth of the animal. 
   If you are unsure how far back, place an average sized adult's hand behind the shoulder of the deer and make the cut from there. If that does not work and you are still unsure, make the incision at the base of the sternum and cut around the body. 

   2) Make an incision up the middle of the neck to the base of the skull. At the stopping point cut a V-shaped incision, with one incision going to each antler base. (See picture ).




3) On the front legs, you will find some long hair on the back of them. Make an incision in the leg from the first joint closet to the body to the arm pit area following the long hair. Once you reach the arm pit stop, DO NOT GO ANY FURTHER.

4) Remove the hide from the neck and shoulders. If you leave some flesh, don't worry about it, your taxidermist will remove it.

5) Cut the head off the neck leaving the hide attached to the skull. This should be done at the base of the skull.

6) Allow the hide to cool first in a freezer, refrigerator, or anything that will cool it down quickly. Just before it begins to freeze place it in two plastic bags. Wrap it securely as to insuring no air reaches the head and place in freezer.

If you have any questions about these steps, feel free to contact Bob's Wildlife Taxidermy, 785-821-1207.