Backpack Mount

The only one I have seen, if this is the one you’re talking about, was done by JoeyM. It looked great. To me it looks like it would be more expensive, material wise, and it seems to me it would take more labor so the cost should reflect that. You might touch base directly with joeym and ask him how much labor is involved. Be sure and post a picture when you’re done with it.

 

I make a rather fancy one with antique stained poplar and using Army surplus straps, ruck sacks, and canvas with leather bindings. They actually COULD be used as a packframe and I want $200 for mine. To do it right, it will take you longer than mounting a whitetail and the supplies aren't cheap. Mine are intended for clients willing to pay for something to accdent their game rooms and not DIY craft work.

 

They are worth every bit of $200 over the price of a traditional shoulder mount. The one I've done was a fun project, but it did eat up a little more time than I anticipated. I keep my eyes open at yard sales for old camping and hunting equipment. An old rusty lantern, a Boy Scout canteen, a compass...these can all be had for a dollar at most yard sales. The pack frame was made by lashing together 4 mimosa limbs with sisal rope.

https://www.taxidermy.net/threads/418043/

 

One I saw done was with an old wood pack frame with a Mule deer on it. He also used a vintage pair of binoculars on there too.
Make sure it looks like a dead deer. Get some eye and ear reference pictures of a dead one. Nothing more phony than an alert dead deer.

 

View attachment 198023

Just found the WWII one on eBay. Wood frame canvas and leather shoulder straps.

 

Did you wet tan the hide or is it a dry tanned cape you used for the mount?

 

I would at least double the price of a normal shoulder mount for such a project since it would probably double my time and supply costs.

 

The ones I have done require a replacement head and eyes, ear liners, full hide wet tanned and the pack which the client buys. Any extras are the clients responsibility. Reference helps a lot when putting it up.
Jim

 

When you arranged the hide from the back of the head to the tail, and finished. Did you just let the rest of the wet tan hide dry for the finished product?

Thanks
Travis

 

I did let the hide dry out a bit but still manageable and then rolled it up and secured it as it would be on the pack. I didn’t want the hide to be wet and possibly mold as it dried.
It’s a cool way to mount a deer.

 

Thanks for the information. I appreciate it.

 

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I have a more modern backpack if interested. Let me know.
rc

 

I guess photo didn't work. I can send it to your email or phone if interested. Pm me with numbers if interested.
It's aluminum frame with red backpack.

 

I send the skin off and get if full tanned. The form I use for the head is usually sawed off an old form from a discarded deer head. I have very little cost in one other than tanning the flatskin. After you've done a couple, they go together about as fast as a traditional shoulder mount. I charge $650 for them. It seems that they are becoming more and more popular.

 

I also had a request, but on a really nice mule. I priced it same as regular mount since they are providing the pack. I also plan to wet tan as I do all my deer. Looking forward to doing it

 

When you say full tanned are you meaning wet tanned or soft tanned? I also have one to do and I’m just trying to get a grasp on what it’s gonna take. Thank you.

 

thanks