First, I just mounted a cottontail rabbit, and didn't bother even opening up the ears, I've done that with squirrels in the past and have had no trouble. Is that OK?
Second, I did a coyote rug, where I only turned the ears but did not take out the cartiledge. Is that OK? Now, I have two deer shoulder mounts to do. What is required?
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Turn the deer ears and remove the cartilage all i know is deer!Hope this helps.Kim
Can be turned or injected with preservative then carded until dry. Cartilage can be left in and bondo used as long as preserved properly .Bradlee
They will not be even close to a real squirrel. They will curl up as the cartilage dries. So what I am saying is no it is not ok. the cartilage needs to be reinforced with something or it will lose it shape as it dries. Unless you use liners and then it needs to be removed. With the deer you need to either learn the Bonded ear method or learn how to use earliners.
Use a sewing needle to open the squirrel ears. Use it just as you would use a scaple on larger ears. Hold the ear between your thumb and finger as you wrk to feel what you are doing. Be gental with it and it will come out fine. The use epoxy putty or glue, or even bondo to
re-enforce.