I have done 5 shoulder mounts (white tails) over the past two years and I shot a axis deer last weekend. I want to do a shoulder mount on this one and need to know if I need to tan the hide. Also when cleaning the deer I was not planning on mount the deer and cut the front of the neck. I am planning on sewing the front, the hair to fairly long and I think I can hide the sewing. I have salted a few axis hides and they seen to have a smell after salting. I also need some small sheds to add to the mount, he had shed his before I got to him. He is 6x17.
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Though some would say they are no different from whitetails, that's not exactly true. The skin has a much different consistency from any other animal I've ever worked on. It seems to have multiple layers. Personally, I wouldn't think about NOT tanning one because of that if nothing else. The pedicels are quite elevated and the preorbitals are quite dominant and noticeable. Few forms have them built up enough to begin with. Also, there's a greater tendency to set the ears too far down on the neck which can turn a great mount into Gomer Pyle.
They do smell different when salted, so don't worry about that aspect.
I have done one white-tail shoulder mount... did my first axis about 3 weeks ago and I'm finishing my first mulie now. They are all sorta unique in there own right, but the axis was a totally different animal like George said. I tanned my axis myself, and it was difficult to shave, even on a machine with those skin layers. The facial anatomy isn't like the other deer either. It wasn't difficult to mount, but it was no white-tail that's for sure.
That's my 2 cents worth...
Wolf
Thank you for your help. I think I will give it a try.