I have mounted many deer this year with no problems until recently. This past week I had two deer hides slip on me. They were both tanned and I pulled them out of the freezer and placed in the refrigerator to thaw. Usually, I will mount them the next day, however some things came up, and I was unable to get to them for about six days. I am thinking that this is what led to my slippage. How long can you leave a tanned cape in the refrigerator after tanning. Maybe when tumbling I am not getting the cape dry enough. Any input would be appreciated.
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I believe you answered your own question. Bacteria is always present in a damp area such as your capes. I assume you probably had them folded and in six days you have slippage problems. I usually don't leave them in the frig. for more than a day. If freezer space is a problem I will let them dry after oiling, rehydrate and mount.
I wouldnt have them in the fridge any longer than over night. If I have to put them on hold, its back into the frezer. Or if the hold time is only a day, lay it out hair side up, when you get back to it, use a spray bottle of water on the eyes,lips, and edges where you are going to sew.
You definitly ruined the capes by putting them in the frig that long. I take my tanned capes out of the freezer and mount them as soon as they are thawed. You should replace those capes at your expense.