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Deer Cape in freezer for 6 years. Need Advice.

Discussion in 'Deer and Gameheads' started by Michelle_Nelson, May 13, 2016.

  1. May 13, 2016 #1
    Michelle_Nelson

    Michelle_Nelson Bring on the Bears!

    1,921
    1
    Rochester, Wa
    Had a guy bring me a Mule Deer Cape that has been in his freezer for 6 years. It is skinned off the head. From what I can see of it, of course it is freezer brunt.

    Right now it is still in my freezer. My question is how can I go about thawing/rehydrating it so that I can split turn and salt it to send to my Tannery.

    The guy is aware the cape will probably not be viable and he will probably need a replacement. Though I decided this would be a great opportunity to try and learn something new. I do have Stop Rot in the shop but curious as to other or better options.
     
  3. May 13, 2016 #2
    countrycritter

    countrycritter Active Member

    182
    117
    Texas
    No need for a new cape. It should be ok to split and turn. Just take your time. I've had them in freezer for that long or more and have no problems at all.
    Good luck.
    Don
     

  5. May 14, 2016 #3
    nelsondeerfarm

    nelsondeerfarm me and THE BUCKMAN !!!

    177
    3
    central PA
    Stop rot will help things turn and split, there's a very good chance you should be able to make the cape work. Good luck.
     
  6. May 14, 2016 #4
    KFLAH

    KFLAH Active Member

    255
    85
    Try throwing it right into krowtan for a day or so. Then take it out, split and flesh, and back into krowtan for a couple of days. Good luck!

    Kevin
     
  7. May 14, 2016 #5
    Michelle_Nelson

    Michelle_Nelson Bring on the Bears!

    1,921
    1
    Rochester, Wa
    I do not tan in my shop. I send it to a tannery.
     
  8. May 15, 2016 #6
    oldboar

    oldboar Taxidermy...do the impossible:)

    726
    1
    Not a big deal....I've NEVER had something I couldn't rehydrate.

    Just takes patience.
     
  9. May 15, 2016 #7
    Jim McNamara

    Jim McNamara Well-Known Member

    2,018
    666
    Soak it up in some salt water. I inject the ears with stop rot to start them rehydrating.
     
  10. May 15, 2016 #8
    joeym

    joeym Old Murphey

    14,559
    10,590
    Chunky, Mississippi
    6 years...Throw it in the garbage...it's not worth the time and effort.
     
  11. May 15, 2016 #9
    Michelle_Nelson

    Michelle_Nelson Bring on the Bears!

    1,921
    1
    Rochester, Wa
    Joeym,

    It's worth it to me for at least the learning experience.
     
  12. May 15, 2016 #10
    Michelle_Nelson

    Michelle_Nelson Bring on the Bears!

    1,921
    1
    Rochester, Wa
    Jim McNamara,

    How much salt per 1 Gallon Water?
     
  13. May 16, 2016 #11
    Gary A

    Gary A N. West Taxidermy 208-404-9706

    627
    1
    Post Falls, Idaho
    I've seen that a few times. I've actually just soaked it in a bucket for about 12 hours. Prepped it, salted/dried it, sent it to the tannery and no problem. I use windex on freezer burned ear tips. Heard that somewhere years ago. Seems to work fine. Or just a spray bottle with water.