Deer Form Size Trouble

Look for what they call early season forms , or alter the form . Add to face or deduct in the neck . That said a 1/4 inch won’t be noticeable and will work. Matter of fact I’ve measured some forms and there eye to nose measurements were off by 3/8 sometimes.

 

I always went with the neck measurements and altered the nose. I usually didn't worry about altering the nose if it was less than a 1/2" difference.

 

1/2 inch bigger in the face is not a problem in most situations, slack in the face is good at times.

 

I know TT and 3Bears won't steer you wrong, but have you considered a form with a change out head? Minimal work compared to altering the head/nose that comes on the form that fits your neck/atlas size. Spoke to Ben Mears about this very subject last year at our convention.

 

I mount a lot of deer with a 7 3/4” nose on a 7 1/2 and I don’t have any issues. A change out head would work great if you want the exact measurements

 

https://www.taxidermy.net/behn/?p=603

The link shows how to add length to a head if you decide to go that route. Not a hard task. You could definitely tackle it.

 

You will loose some of the bulk so to speak going down that 1/4 ". A buck with a 7 3/4" e-n is a different critter than a 7 1/2" e-n. Same as a buck with an honest 8" e-n measurement has a wider nose, roman nose, deeper forehead, wider width between the eyes and just a big old buck look to them. You can always down size and make it work but you'll loose that big buck look. Change out the head and put him back to what he was. It's a task like altering the form you'll need to know sooner than later. Good luck

 

If the deer was “skinny”, measure the cape. He could loose muscle but the skin will be the same.

 

That neck skin will stretch out if shaved properly. If it was a mature buck he stretched it out several times over the years of his life already.

 

I would rather order a smaller face than a bigger neck in your case. Its pretty easy to build up the snout a little, but it is also easy to shave off a little from the neck. I'd probably order a form that would split the difference.