What is the best way to deal with the cheek glands on a buck antelope cape?
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Just thim them a bit, salt, let dry, tan and mount as usual
With a sharp knife make a cross hatch pattern about 1/8 of an inch apart. Do not go through, use your fingers underneath to feel. Then salt thoroughly. If you don't get salt to penetrate you'll get slippage.
Those glands a realativly thick and large!With your scapel pick a spot and start cleaning with you fingers under the skin so you can feel the skin(So you dont cut through)work out to the edge where the gland stops(you will find it)then work in a circle to remove the entire gland!You may cut through a couple times but you can sew it back up later.There are two reasons for doing this(actully three)First you will get the salt directly in contact with the hair folices to better seat the hair.Second-you will be able to strech the hide back to capacity much easier.And third if you leave to much of that gland in there your antelope will smell like antelope for years to come!Yes even after tanning!AH That sweet smell of sagebrush!