I need a deer cape that measures 6 1/2" x 19". All the capes I have found on ebay measure 7" up or else they have a really small neck.
The antlers measure 5 1/2" at the base & I'm afraid I will get a cape with much smaller antler base measurments. Will I have a problem mounting this deer if that turns out to be the case or should I use a bigger cape such as 7 1/2" x 19" or 20". This is my second year to do commercial taxidermy & this 150 class 11 point is by far my biggest deer. We have really small bodied deer here in NE Texas & I don't want my customer to think I mounted his antlers on a horse hide! Any advise would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Chris
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You can taxi the skin around and make a 7inch cape work.
Chris, The main problem with buying any cape on ebay or the T-net or anywhere you can't see the cape for yourself is this: larger capes command higher prices. This is incentive for the seller to measure the cape in such a way as to bring the highest price. Many sellers measure over the hair or 3 or 4 inches down the neck so a 17" buck becomes a 19 or 20" buck. Be sure to find out how the measurements were taken. 7" eye to nose is no problem but if you need a 19" cape measured over the atlas and a meat measurement the cape measuring 19 3" down the neck will be a waste of money. Ebay is a great market but it is a buyer beware market- you pay your money and take you chances. As for the large bases on your customers antlers that should not be a problem IF the cape you buy is big enough in the neck. An honest 19" deer may not have as large an antler base but the skin is there and at most a bit of trimming will give you an opening large enough for the pedicals. I have mounted much larger antlers with replacement capes and it is rarely a problem. Enjoy, Aaron H.