How t o Freeze caped out head

Submitted by GAry C on 10/07/2003. ( ) 66.190.106.33

Shot ten point and can't get to taxidermist for several weeks.
Caped out head is iced down in large cooler. Taxidermist said to
freeze head if possible. Do you do anything special to keep from
messing up the mount before putting in freezer.

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Just freeze it now.

This response submitted by John C on 10/07/2003. ( ) 208.180.205.103

Whats the hold up to getting it in the freezer? Lay the cape out behind the head for faster freezing and less chance of spoilage. Get it to your taxi asap!


Do you have to worry about frostbite on ears.

This response submitted by Gary C on 10/08/2003. ( ) 66.190.106.33

Taxi out of town. I was told to wrap ears in brown paper to keep from frostbiting the ears... Does that happen?


Not for a few months

This response submitted by JOhn C on 10/08/2003. ( ) 208.180.205.103

It takes more than a few months to freeze dry the ears.


plastic bag

This response submitted by newbirdman on 10/08/2003. ( ) 152.163.252.69

Gary , I hope when you say the cape is in an ice chest that its also in a bag and not just sitting in cold water and ice .This isnt good for the cape . Do as John said or roll it into a ball , put in a plastic bag and freeze a.s.a.p. Some taxis like them rolled up as it takes less space in the freezer . Rick


Don't roll

This response submitted by Frank E Kotula on 10/08/2003. ( basswtrout@aol.com ) 172.159.251.37

Unless you have the hide almost frozen. Rolling a hide into a ball is a real bad choice, besides that it'll take up less space frozen flat and hides are then laid on top of one another.
Just lag a bag down in the freezer, lay the deer on it. When it's almost frozen place it into a bag and freeze it or if you want then you can roll it into a ball and finish freezing it.
The problem with freezing hides into a ball is that the head is covered with all that hair, which helps insulate the head even more making it harder to get it frozen. In the mean time bacteria is growing and can then cause slippage when it begins to thaw. Also it makes thawing a hide even longer to take. The longer it takes for a hide or head to thaw the more chance you can have on getting bacteria growth and cause slippage.
When frozen flat they thaw out quicker for the taxidermist and he can then get it prepared the proper way for tanning or DP if he chooses


Thanks...........

This response submitted by Gary C on 10/08/2003. ( ) 66.190.106.33

Thanks for all the help. I implemented your suggestions.
I was using a 150qt cooler with a layer ice of ice on bottom and then packed solid with drain open. Didn't have freezer room to completely lay flat but did the best I could. Also put head in 2 5mil drum liners.

Thanks again. Have learned a lot on this site in a short time.


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