I am going on a Mule Deer / Antelope hunt in Montana next week. If successful on the hunt I may skin for lifesize mounts.
I have never done a full size deer, if you had the opportunity would you dorsal skin in the field or just field dress and then skin later? I would guess a dorsal incision would be best for a full size deer?
Thanks,
KennyC
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A dorsal cut is the LAST choice on earth. Deer are not like bears and it's impossible to cover a dorsal cut on one. McKenzie sells a nice pamphlet called Trophy Field Care Guide. Get one. It has diagrams, but suffice it to say your only incisions are from the brisket to the anus around the genitals (if present) and from the knee to the ankle. Sever the legs at the knee joints and remove the lower legs all the way to the last joint connecting the hooves. That means some TEDIOUS work getting the legs out through the belly incision but there's no seam to worry about. Once that's done, tube it out all the way down to the jawbone if possible, sever the head and then make a SHORT "Y" cut to remove the headgear.
I used to mount everything lifesize with a dorsal...I thought I was saving alot of work in sewing because truth be known, dorsals are easier to mount...but you have created a seam in the most obvious place. I dont care how good you are at sewing, at some point your going to see it on a deer. Just my opinion.
Thanks guys. Sounds like you may have saved me a headache!