How do you measure a deer shoulder mount? Measure from the tip of the right antler to the tip of the nose, then from the tip of the left antler to the tip of the nose. Don't forget to refer back to those numbers to get the original position of the antlers on the skull.
Full Answer
What determines the size of a deer Mount?
The species of deer often determines the average size of the deer mount. With life size deer mounts, antlers, the head and neck, the head and shoulders, or the entire body are usually preserved. The size of the deer determines the size of the mount. In the United States, mule or whitetail deer mounts are common.
How is a neck or shoulder mount measured?
For a neck or shoulder mount, the distance from the front center of the nose to the corner of the eye is determined. Also, the neck circumference where the neck attaches to the head is measured.
How do you mount a deer for taxidermy?
You need to decide on the pose, the turn, and the design of your deer mount. The first thing your taxidermist will do upon receiving your deer is to take detailed measurements in order to select a mannikin that will fit your deer’s skin. Your taxidermist will want to know the direction that you want your deer’s head turned.
What are the dimensions of a mule deer Mount?
In the United States, mule or whitetail deer mounts are common. The size of the buck and the antlers depend on the deer's age, nutrition and genetics. A typical mule deer buck has a body length of 49 to 66 inches and a shoulder height of 33 to 42 inches. The neck circumference of a mule deer buck ranges from 12 to 25 inches.
jhunter13 Member
What I mean is I meaure the eye to nose before skinning. Then the neck after skinning. Then measure all again after tanning.
Mr.T Active Member
I only measure after tan, pre tam sizes don't even get a thought, as the tanned size is what you end up with as the final size.
twinrivers Active Member
I have also experimented with measuring after shaving during pickle and turned out fine, but usually do it after tan, except eye to nose. The only carcass measurements I use are when doing lifesize mounts.
B Jones Memeber of - NTA,UTA,AIT.Proud Member of NZTA
I have always been a meat measurer, right wrong or indifferent I have never had a problem with getting a good fit. To each their own. I really think it has a lot to do with how well the prep of the cape was done and the type of tan. This is one of those questions that are asked all the time and everyone has their own opinion.
cyclone Posts: 400001
If the hide fit the deer live it should fit a form of the same size as the meat measurements. I have measured some tanned hides, but prefer carcass measurements.. I suspect too much shrinkage in your tanning method and/or not getting them thin enough.
tazzymoto Well-Known Member
I'm with Cyclone. I use meat measurements and rarely have any issue's. I think the tan has some3thing to do with that.
joeym Old Murphey
Relax your tanned capes in warm water with a little baking soda added (about a tablespoon per gallon). They should loosen up substantially after 5 to 10 minutes. Wring out excess water, towel dry, and mount.
How to measure a deer mount?
For a full body life size form, the length of the head, the neck circumference, the distance from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail and the belly girth are measured. For a neck or shoulder mount, the distance from the front center of the nose to the corner of the eye is determined. Also, the neck circumference where the neck attaches to the head is measured. Then the circumference of the neck 3 inches down from the neck circumference measurement is determined.
What determines the size of a deer mount?
The species of deer often determines the average size of the deer mount. With life size deer mounts, antlers, the head and neck, the head and shoulders, or the entire body are usually preserved. The size of the deer determines the size of the mount. In the United States, mule or whitetail deer mounts are common.
How big are mule deer antlers?
Typical Size Antlers. A mature mule deer's antlers average 20 to 22 inches from tip-to-tip while whitetail bucks average 15 inches. A two-year old buck has antlers that are about 60 percent of the antler size at maturity. The bucks are physiologically mature at about 4 1/2 years of age but the antler size is usually largest when ...
How tall is a mule deer?
Deer Measurements. A typical mule deer buck has a body length of 49 to 66 inches and a shoulder height of 33 to 42 inches. The neck circumference of a mule deer buck ranges from 12 to 25 inches. The width of the head measures 4 to 6 inches and the length ranges from 11 to 14 inches.
How old are buck antlers?
The bucks are physiologically mature at about 4 1/2 years of age but the antler size is usually largest when the bucks reach 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 years of age. Advertisement.
What are some of the measurements used to determine record size antlers?
The tip-to-tip spread of the antlers, the greatest spread, the number and length of the points on each side, and the circumference of the main beams are some of the measurements used to determine record size antlers. Advertisement.
When do buck antlers shed?
Bucks shed their antlers each year, usually between December and March. The antlers grow back during the late spring through early fall. While they are growing, the antlers are covered in a skin called velvet. When the antler reaches full size, the velvet is lost. Mounts are often made with full size antlers.
How much does a buck deer weigh?
our average buck deer weigh in the 165 - 180 lb range and really nice large fully mature bucks will go in the 200 plus range.
How far down should you measure your throat?
Then measure from throat around neck about 3-4 " below axis. Not as tight.
Step 1: Measuring the Hide
This is the first step and is fairly critical in order to purchase a correctly sized form. Forms are usually specified as type of posture, straight upright, right turn upright, left turn semi sneak, full sneak, etc. etc.
Step 2: Skinning and Caping
There must be adequate hide to cover the form, therefore the cape should be cut just behind the front legs. Excess hide can be removed later. Begin to remove the hide with a sharp knife working towards the head. When you reach the ear bases cut the ears away from the skull, the cartilage will be removed later.
Step 3: Ordering Supplies
You will need the following: Foam form of proper dimension and pose that you like Plastic ear liners Glass eyes Modeling clay Fishing line or artificial sinew Acrylic paint – black, brown, natural, gray Glovers needle Borax – 1 lb. Alum – 1 lb. Salt – 10 lbs Hide paste Finishing nails T shaped push pins Scalpel or very sharp knife Knife or homemade hide scraper.
Step 4: Preserving the Cape
Any chunks of flesh remaining on the cape must be removed by scraping or cutting away with a razor sharp knife. The lips must be split and fleshed. Excess flesh must be removed from around the eyes and nose also. The cartilage must be removed from ears. The recipe to complete the preservation (pickling) of the cape requires 8 lbs. of salt, 1 lb.
Step 5: Cleaning the Cape
Once the hide is removed from the pickling the flesh side should be scraped thoroughly to remove the membrane. Any extra flesh remaining in the nose or around the eyes and lips should be carefully scraped away. Now is the time to sew any holes in the hide.
Step 6
Attaching the antlers, eyes, and the cape Mannequins will usually have a wood backed cut out for the antler skull plate.
Step 7: Finishing
Using the glover’s needle and a 15 lb. test fishing line or artificial sinew, sew the opening between the antlers together using a baseball stitch. Insert the needle each time on the flesh side of the cape. Stitches should be about ¼ inch apart. The skin must be tight around the base of the antlers because it will pull away as the hide dries.
Who designed the whitetail deer shoulder mount?
Award-winning taxidermist, artist and designer Nickie Carter clearly explains all of the options available when choosing a taxidermy display for whitetail deer shoulder mounts. When you take your deer to the taxidermist, you will be asked to make some decisions that you may not have considered.
What is the most common pose for deer?
The next decision to make is the pose, or the attitude of the deer. The most common poses are the upright, a tall and majestic pose; the semi-upright, which is a little more relaxed; the semi-sneak, which is a very natural-looking pose; and, the full sneak, like you would see a buck when he’s chasing does.
What do taxidermists do when they receive deer?
The first thing your taxidermist will do upon receiving your deer is to take detailed measurements in order to select a mannikin that will fit your deer’s skin. Your taxidermist will want to know the direction that you want your deer’s head turned.
How to display hunting trophies?
Think about warmth, texture, and color. Consider a display that shows appreciation for the animal, and tells part of the story of the hunt. Talk to your taxidermist. He or she can easily incorporate all types of scenery which allows you to replicate the natural environment where your hunt occurred.
How to measure neck?
Measure the neck by doubling the measurement of the folded neck skin. Measure the length (C) DO NOT stretch the skin too much. This is the most important measurement! Measure the belly or girth (D) at the widest part, but not at the corners. Go Back.
How to measure eye to nose for skinning?
To rehydrate a tanned cape, mix a solution of 1 gallon of water to 1/4 lb. of salt to 1/8 tsp. bacteride. Soak the cape in enough water to completely submerge the whole hide.
How to measure brisket for C?
As you stretch, closely watch the brisket, as the brisket begins to move, stop stretching. Measure directly below the ears for the C measurement. Move 3 inches below the ears and again measure across the cape for the B measurement. Measure the head before skinning, be sure to use calipers to get an accurate eye to nose measuremnt.
