I skinned out a deer and I left all the inner ear detail attached and the little tub hole that attaches right to the skull is still attached so an opening of a 1/4 exists. When i bondo the ears, do I have to cut all this inner ear detail out because of possible smell or rotting of it. Or can i leave this inner ear detail in? Will the inner nodules shrink up and have to be rebuilt? Thanks
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Inner ear nodules will shrink and have to be rebuilt. Should not stink if preserved properly. Be sure to dig out the form enough to set the ear into.
Why don't you just use a quality ear-liner with the inner ear detail in it? Rick Carter and Brad Eppley both make some very good products for just this purpose. Just a thought. Jeff F.
I am going to be using the bonded method so i think i dont have to remove any of the cartilage that covers the nodules correct?
(no that is not a plug for diggers hotline) a deer's main ear cartilage is not located inside the skull. So before you dig a 2" hole in the side of the head you might want to look at some good reference photos.
Chris
Matt, All of my deer are mounted useing the complete cartilage and with bondo. I pickle w/saftee acid and tan w/ez1oo, preservation is good and cartilage needs no other treatment. It will take a bit longer to dry- I do not rebuild any of it as it is not readily visable and we are talking commercial mounts. Certainly there is shrinkage so if you want to rebuild go for it. Enjoy, Aaron H.