I need help measureing a tanned mule deer cape that I am getting from an auction on E-bay. Question is do I need to rehydrate the cape before taking the measurements(eye to nose and neck). This is my first mule deer mount and I have heard that the capes shrink when they are tanned. If I rehydrate the cape, I know that you can stretch the cape to a certian degree, but how much to get an accurate measurement? Will it hurt the cape being rehydrated and waiting to receive a manniken? should I freeze the cape or what? Any help would be great. Thanks
Yes on a tanned cape I would rehydrate first then stretch the cape out and get my measurements.
On stretching the hide out pull it lenght wise first, then pull it width wise. From there measure down three inches from the ears and then take a tape and measure the neck. If you look in most catologs that will give you the B measurement.
On nose to eye don't pull real hard on the face just gently pull it both ways and get your measurement. You may find that it may or may not match the eye nose measurement in the catologs. If your within a 1/4 inch you'll be fine. If it's more than that, you can either get a change out head or alter the form you bought by cutting just behind the nose and adding 1/4 to it.
Now after you rehydrate the hide and get those measurments just freeze it till your ready. Wrap it in a plastic bag make it air tight and all will be fine till your ready.