going to do my first deer head, my question is i sent deer cape to commercial tannery, got it back. should i rehydrate & put in freezer till ready to mount or is it allright in the box at room temp. also, will rehydrating give me my size back? i think it shrunk a little. thanks for any input.
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.....Would be to rehydrate and freeze, that is why I have all my capes wet tanned and I keep them frozen. Capes seem to regain their size better if they are rehydrated and frozen before use, just my opinion. Your dry tanned cape is fine the way it is, if you are going to get at it in the near future(under 3 months). If it will be longer than that, it can be put in the freezer dry, to prevent deterioration from humidity. Deterioration is gradual and most tanners recommend that you use a cape within a year of tanning. Proper storage of that cape will keep it fresh much longer than that.
rehydrate(5 gallons water,1# salt),let soak 20-30 minutes,drain skin, and sweat them overnight in a plastic bag(cool location) .I also put a few stitches in the y incision and gently inflate a tractor intertube in the neck region. In the morning I get measurements so I can order the proper form and freeze. If you're dealing with a good tannery then you should get your measurements back. The Wildlife Gallery of Blanchard, Mi. is a VERY good tannery to deal with. Their web site is www.thewildlifegallery.com Happy Mounting! Jeff F.
thank you old fart