I used to work with a taxidermist who always set their deer eyes after the skin was on. They swore up and down that this was the best way to do it. I felt you got better accuracy setting them before putting the skin on. Anyone set their eyes after the skin goes on?
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It depends on the species and the position or the effect desired. It is usually best to set eyes before mounting, because as you said, it is easier. You can set them either way, though, but with fixed stares like deer mounts and the like, it is easier to set the eyes before applying the cape.......you can always adjust them later, unless you set them in hot glue or epoxy, or other permanent matrix.
Sometimes, I set them after I have the skin on... Mainly on small mammals, but I have done it on deer too. Its all your preference. Remember that in this field, there is no best way of doing something. Do what works for you.
I always set them before I pull on the cape, but the thing is I always smash the clay even when I am careful so I rough them in then sculpt it out once it starts to stiffen up a bit.
if you look in the 2005 Research Mannikins catalog on page 292 you will see eye guards.they keep you from mess'n up your clay work(or should)
I put my skin on then I pull the face down towards the nose then set my eyes so I don't have to drag the whole length of the neck over my clay