I've only done a few shoulder mounts that I tanned myself and wet mounted. Got mixed results. On the advise of a pro taxidermist, I tried my hand at using dry preservative only on a South Texas deer I shot. I got fair results versus using SynTan or Curatan (yuck!). This thicker green skin was tough to sew up on the form. Any suggestions? I even considered pre-burning holes to facilitate the stitching.
Return to Deer Taxidermy Category Menu
I think the problem you had with tanning was either not a good tan or not using a great hide paste.
On George's advice on the forums I tried Epo-Grip HIDE Adhesive, you can mount a totally green hide and still get good results.
But a tanned cape should be as suple as the DPed cape, plus last long.
try a longer needle like a 6,ich [SN6StraightNeedle/6'Long]McKenzie Supply.
If you insist on trying to mount a DP cape that has not been thinned, your bet bet is to get a rotary leather punch. Use the smallest size punch in the rotary. There is not a needle made that will easily stitch a 1/4 to 3/8 inch green hide...been there, done that.
An ice pick is handy for punching holes quickly, just don't stab yourself,LOL
Not a big fan of sewing green hides but a big fat heavy needle helps. If you are using a 4inch or smaller needle you need a sewing palm. I use one even with a tanned hide and a 6inch needle. Joe