Finally got a deer for myself to try and mount. It is a decent 8 point and I am having trouble with the measurements. With the hair on I meadured A- 7 1/8 B- 16 1/2 C- 17
After I skinned on the meat the measurements were
A- 7 1/8 B- 17 1/2 C- 17
It seems like the B and C measurements should have gotten smaller. I was wanting to order a kit from the Van Dykes catalog but the forms were not very close to either measurement. So I looked at the other forms and could not find any that matched the measurements very well.
This is a Michigan deer but I am a little confused.
Tanks for any reply's
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Forget the kit and order your supplys seperate it will cost a little more but will be worth it in the long run. Forget the hair on measurements and the meat measurements! Measure your tanned cape that will give you the measurements you need I believe they show you how to measure a tanned cape in the Van Dykes catalog on the inside front cover.
I always measure before sending to the tannery and note it down just as a ballpark reference. But I soak up the tanned hide when I get it back and then stretch it out, and then make my final measurement. It is a sure way to know for sure the form you bought is going to fit right.
Just be careful with the B and C measurements. Some forms really jump in size between these measurements because they are for a rutting buck. If you deer was shot early, there might not be much of a jump. Compare different forms in your catalog and you will see what I mean. For example, you might have a 20" B measurement and a 23" C measurement, but if it is an early pre-rut cape, then it might have a 20" B and only a 20.5" C. You either shop around or shave down the form to fit.