On this episode of GOHUNT’s  Western Rookie Podcast, Brian has Reece Anderson on the podcast for a refresher before season opens on how to take care of hides in the field!

In this podcast, Brian Krebs and Reese Anderson discuss taxidermy and the proper care of trophies. They cover topics such as caping, preserving the hide, and the dos and don'ts of taxidermy. They also touch on CWD laws and the importance of properly disposing of animal remains. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights for hunters and anyone interested in preserving their trophies. In this part of the conversation, Reece and Brian discuss the process of caping a deer and the best techniques for removing burrs, clearing the ears, and handling the eyes. They also touch on the importance of preserving the cape for taxidermy purposes and provide tips for doing a euro mount. 

Additionally, they discuss the care of velvet antlers and offer advice on keeping them cool and dry. In this conversation, Brian Krebs and Reece Anderson discuss the proper care and handling of game for taxidermy. They cover topics such as caping, preserving velvet antlers, using VelvaLock, and the cost of replacing damaged capes. They also provide tips for handling antelope and emphasize the importance of cooling the animal quickly. The conversation concludes with information on how to contact Reece and where to find more of his work.

Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/thewesternrookie

Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!

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Takeaways:
 

• Proper caping and care of the hide is essential for preserving trophies
• Cutting the hide along the hair pattern and avoiding unnecessary cuts ensures a better outcome
• Following CWD laws and properly disposing of animal remains is important
• Working with a professional taxidermist can result in a higher quality mount When caping a deer, be careful not to cut on top of the earbud as it can be difficult to sew back up.
• To remove burrs, use an outdoor edge replaceable blade knife and keep the skin tight while scraping with the knife.
• For clearing the ears, cut through the cartilage and be mindful not to cut into the inner ear.
• When handling the eyes, stick a finger in the corner of the eye and peel off the skull, being cautious not to cut the eyelid.
• Preserve the cape if possible, as taxidermists may buy it for euro mounts or other purposes.
• For a euro mount, split the head down the center of the face and avoid scraping the knife blade on the skull.
• To care for velvet antlers, keep them cool and dry, and avoid sticking tags directly on the horns. Proper caping techniques are crucial for preserving the quality of the hide for taxidermy.
• Velvet antlers can be preserved by using VelvaLock adhesive spray.
• It is recommended to cool the animal quickly after harvesting to prevent spoilage.
• Replacing a damaged cape can be expensive, so it's important to handle the hide with care.
• Antelope hides are delicate and require special handling to prevent hair loss.
• Reece Anderson can be contacted through Northwind Taxidermy for any taxidermy-related questions or services.