I just unbagged a deer head last night. It was delivered double bagged and air-tight. The problem is....when I skinned it out, there are at least four holes in the ears and two more in the head. The holes in the head are quarter sized and the ones in the ear are dime sized. Is this cape salvageable? I'm doing this for a friend, but I haven't experienced one this bad. He's got no $$$$$, so a replacement cape is probably out and other than an antler mount I'm not sure what I can do. The rack off of this deer is huge and it's a shame it's so shot up!
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Those holes are not any different than a hole in the shoulder.
Trim the holes in a football shape, either horizintally or verticle. Either way will allow the long hair to over lap, there is plenty of stretch in the hide to do this.
There ears are going to be a bit more touchy. Use earliners as it will be easier, you can trin the jagged edges up if needed. You may be able to sew the holes closed on the back side of the ear.
Once dry just Epoxy the front holes to blend in.
Come on over and I will trade you capes today. This deer was hit by a car, then finished off with 00 buckshot in the face. Just sewed three holes up in the left ear, several in the face 8 to be exact, the right side antler blown into. plus the skins and scraps from the wreck.
Two loads of 00 just dont do a cape much good.
Wow. I'm not sure they could be a worse cape in existence than the sounds of that poor beast. But I'm betting you enjoy the challenge. LOL! Good luck. Hope it's your best ever.
John C. as always, enjoyed your reply! No thanks on trading capes! I just finished up on my first mount for a customer and got two more as a result! Thanks again, all of the help I have gotten from this forum and the archives is invaluable! I haven't worked with anybody and I haven't gone to school, just watched tapes and read this forum over and over! I learn something new every day and really appreciate the help you and others give to us rookies! I will be prepping the "holy-eared" cape this weekend. I was almost ready to throw it out, but now I look forward to the challenge of saving it! CJ