My freshly tanned Elk cape measures 24 inches behind the ears.
I was wondering how much will it strech when it it soaked for mounting. This would also effect the size of form I should buy.
Thanks
Ryan
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Tans will rehydrate and stretch at different rates, so without knowing more information there is no way to estimate the stretch with any accuracy. Your best bet is to rehydrate it, do all the prep work, like shaving the eyes to their final thickness and sewing up the holes if there are any, then measure the rehydrated cape and go from there. Capes always seem to have more stretch if they are frozen after being rehydrated.
Ryan,
Old **** was absolutely correct. The type of tan will definately make a difference on the amount of stretch a cape will have.Lutan-F and EZ-100 will give you a good stretch, where as an Alum tan would not have as good of a stretch. It will depend on the tan that your tannery is using.I would venture to say though, that it should stretch out to 27-29 inches.
Be sure to take these measurements AFTER you rehydrate and sweat out over night!
Have a great day to all,
Dave