This is my first mule deer mount I know that I am going to have to rehydrate
the cape to get the manikin measurments, then I will freeze it in a plastic bag.
When I get every thing back to start mounting, do I unthaw the cape and start with a damp hide
and if so how long will it stay damp, or how much time should I expect to set down and start fitting the hide
before it drys
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Are talking about damp hair or a damp skin? After full rehydration I like to tumble my hides in the dryer. I will throw in some old beach towels and then the hide. Tumble for about 15 or so minutes. This should be enough to dry the hair nice but leave you a skin that is just right for mounting.
If you still have some triming and skife work to do, eye, nose, mouth,etc. You will want to make sure it stays damp, not soaked but damp. Just be sure it doesn't dry out all the way.
As for fitting the hide, I hope all the measurements were correct before you sent for the manikin. If you made some bad measurements you may not be able to mount it at all. The manikin may be to big or small. We don't know cause you didn't say on how you measured the cape. The fitting process if all was done right should only be 15 min. Then all you have to do is paste the hide on in simple terms, but your hide will be fine and should dry out.
If the mounting process and sewing is taking you to long and you may be afarid the face may be drying out before you get a chance to work on it this is what to do. Take a plastic bag and wrap the face up in it and tape it in place. This will stop air from really getting to the face and you face won't dry out before you get to it. You can even do this and come back the next day to do the face work. Good Luck