cape on ice

There are a few variables there, like how long the deer sat around before it was caped. I wouldn't leave it in that state any longer than needed. Most guys think that it ok because the cape is cool, bacteria is still growing producing more of a threat on the cape slipping as time goes on.

 

you don't want it sitting around in water from the ice melting you are asking for trouble i would say no more than overnight the best thing to do is get it to the taxidermist as soon as possible like Matt said the bacteria is growing as soon as it is dead you need to get it caped and get it frozen or salting

 

Just took a whitetail in that was in a styrofoam cooler "on ice" for 5-6 days. To my surprise, the thing seems OK. Won't really know until after tanning. People think the capes will last forever just because they're on ice. On the other side of the coin, I've seen them spoil under similar conditions in 2 days!! You just don't know sometimes how it'll go. Typically, if it doesn't stink (like rot), and it's not slimy.....you're probably OK. If it's green (like the green you get from wearing a copper bracelet), it's too late.......normally.

 

My experience it can look ok at first even in a cooler for a couple of days, but the results will show once in the picle or after it has been tanned...Hard to say..