I am about to mount an elk and was wondering when I place the antlers on the form , what is the distance from the antler base to the eye suppose to be? On whitetails I usually measure by placing 2 fingers in between the antler base and the eye on the form but have never done an elk before. Any help will be greatly appreciated. THANKS !
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Elk vary too much - you best take a measurement on the hide.
I would take a measurement from the corner of the eye to the point of the skin that touches the antler base. Remember that the skin has to conform to the shape of the skull. That's a good start. Also check the angle for clearance on the wall. If the antlers are of good size, you can have trouble with wall clearance. Good Luck!
Mark - I'm sure you find some WT's where that 2 finger measurement doesn't hold. But as a rule, I find that usually 4 fingers (I have fairly large hands) is about right on an elk. Certainly not the best way to set antlers- but you can set them temporarily and then test fit the cape. Good luck with number one.
elk horn butts are up a lot higher than deer best thing look at reference pictures.
mounting a customers elk antlers onto the mannikin and about 4 fingers is what this particular elk turned out to be. I test fitted the cape three different times and made minor adjustments until I ended up with a nice though relaxed fit. Each elk varies somewhat but 4 fingers is probably a good starting point.
ms
Mark, go with Rocky's recommendation, however, when you measure the eye to burr, measure it on the hair side and give yourself about an 1/8 of an inch to allow for shrinkage.