Hudson Valley Taxidermy Studio

TIPS FOR SAFELY CAPING YOUR DEER The Dorsal Method The dorsal method of skinning involves a long slit down the back(from the tail base up into the neck.) The carcass is skinned as it is pulled through this incision. The feet/hooves and the head are cut off from the carcass as with a shoulder mount explained in the next frame. Only use this method with approval and detailed instructions from Hudson Valley Taxidermy Studio. Use this method only when the skin can be frozen quick...ly after skinning Caping for a Shoulder Mount 1. With a sharp knife, slit the hide circling the body behind the shoulder at approximately the mid-way point of the rib cage behind the front legs. Slit the skin around the legs just above the knee. An additional slit will be needed from the back of the leg and joining the body cut behind the legs (Figure 2A and 2B.) 2. Peel the skin forward up to the ears and jaw exposing the head/neck junction. Cut into the neck approximately three inches down from this junction. Circle the neck-cutting down to the spinal column. After this cut is complete, grasp the antler bases and twist the head off of the neck. This should allow the hide to be rolled up and put in a freezer until transported to the taxidermist. These cuts should allow ample hide for the taxidermist to work with in mounting. Remember, the taxidermist can cut off excess hide, but he can’t add what he does not have. Note. When field dressing a trophy to be mounted, don’t cut into the brisket (chest) or neck area. If blood gets on the hide to be mounted, wash it off with snow or water as soon as possible. Also, avoid dragging the deer out of the woods with a rope. Place it on a sled, rickshaw, or 4-wheeler. The rope, rocks, or a broken branch from a dead-fall can easily damage the fur or puncture the hide. If you do need to drag it out with a rope, attach the rope to the base of the antlers and drag your trophy carefully.

Lot's of stories shared in the shop during lunch today. What are some of yours from opening day? We'd love to hear them. One of the stories we shared was our oldest son getting his first buck. A nice 4-pointer~ down, field dressed and back in to warm up before 8am! Great job Gavin and congratulations, couldn't be happier for you! Best part, sharing it with his Dad, brother, Uncle, Cousin & Grandfather!

It's like Christmas Eve around here! Opening day of gun season in NY tomorrow. Hoping to see some beauties like this one from last year! Post your photos here during the season, we'd love to see them. Good luck and BE SAFE!

THANK YOU to all the men and woman, past and present, that have served our beautiful country. Home of the FREE because of the BRAVE. Check out the great organization that helps wounded vets enjoy their outdoor passions. http://leekpreserve.org/ Located only a few hours from us in Pennsylvania. You can also donate to them right on their site via PayPal.