A customer is bringing two Antelope back from New Mexico. His Dad cut the throats and cut the cape way to short. They still want them mounted. Can mannikins be cut down to just the head? Is a cut throat any different to repair than a normal cut anywhere else. I've never done horns before, what do I need to do? Will I be taking on a taxidermy nighmare?
I explained to these guys before they left exactly how to cape them and even sent salt with them. Do you think they got to excited or what! I hate to tell them I don't want to do them cuz they could turn into good customers. And I thought this was a no stress job!
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A cut throat for me is an automatic $100 increase for stupidity. The bad thing with these "goats" is that the hair is likely to have been cut and WILL SHOW. If the hair has gotten blood sucked up into the hollows, it WILL SHOW.
Microwave the horns for a few seconds or let them rot out in a plastic bag. They pop off rather easily. Cut the cores and after they're dry, EPOXY them back on the cores.
Yes, the form can be cut, but that's why I charge the extra $100. And don't EVER give your clients salt. If the ears aren't turned and the lips split, salting it can cause spoilage or worse- drying the meat where it's more difficult to remove. And whatever you do, don't try to soft sell what they've done. If you do, then it will become YOUR FAULT that they couldn't find their butts with both hands and a mirror.
If indeed you think these guys are potentially good customers, I would not do a substandard mount for them. I would offer to find replacement capes for them and do a quality mount that they won't look at down the road and regret. As far as the horns, in the archives there are many suggestions and they all are good. What I do, (and am doing as I write) is to boil the skull plate and horns for about 10 min. and twist the horn right off. One last thing, no offense intended, but pronghorn are a unique creature, with unique hair patterns and tucks and general anatomy. They also have cheek glands that have to be properly fleshed. If I were you, before I tackle one of these critters, I'd study the archives and load up on references. Have fun!
Your help is greatly appreciated!