Skinning for a Life Size Mount

I would prefer that you bring any trophy that you want to have mounted life size to me to cape for you.  However, I understand that is not always possible, and if you have to skin the animal prior to bringing it to me keep the following in mind.

How is it going to be mounted?  This will determine whether to make a dorsal, down the  back, or a ventrical, down the belly, cut.  

Ventrical Inscision – 1. start at the anus and cut to base of neck. * Note if you have a male and want it to still be a male when mounted you will need to cut around its penis and skin that off with the rest of the hide. 2.  From your main incision you will need to cut up the inside of each leg to the animals “wrist” joint and cut off.   3.  Working one side at a time carefully skin around to the back until the hide is free all the way to the base of the neck.  4. Use a saw to cut off the head.  When finished you should have a complete cape that includes feet/paws, and head/small neck portion.  5.  Wrap face with paper towels, place in plastic bag and freeze.

Ventrical Incision

Dorsal Incision -  1.  Start just above the base of the neck and cut down spine to the base of the tail.  2.  Cut through the tail bone.  3.  Working equal amounts off each side skin around to the belly.  4.  To remove the legs you will need to pull them back through the hide – cutting off at the “ankle” joint near the paw/foot.  5.  Cut head off so that it is still entact with the rest of the cape.