Thread: OT deer mount done

I think you need a couple more inches on those horns J.W., LOL!! Just kiddin', you did a great job! When I get my four lb crappie I'll know who to call....

My advice is to get some close up live deer photos for reference to help with anatomy of the deer eyes, ear placement and shape, and overall attitude. The eyes give the mount the overall look, either relaxed, alert, spooked, aggressive and so on. Good job on your first mount. You will find a challenge with each deer you do, as some have their own particular issues, such as ticks, lots and lots of ticks, depending on the time of year and temp the ticks can really play heck with the ears especially. The deer will try to scratch those ticks off from the back of the ears and in turn remove hair in doing so. This then makes turning ears very painful at times, as the hide is very thin in such a situation, only thing you can do is keep it as hydrated as possible, and skin it as soon as it has died to turn those ears while they are still relatively easy to turn.

I have found a deer that is skinned and fleshed and ears, eyes, nose, and lips turn easier than freezing it then trying to work on it later. Just my opinion though.

But reference photos will help you shape those eyes and ears for that matter to the correct angles and size that they should be. I take a lot of measurements with calipers to get exact eye size and ear distances as well, you dont have to do this and most dont, I just like to get it as close to the real thing as possible. Quality pickle, and tanning is a must for a mount to last. Along with adequate fleshing and shaving of the hide. Good luck to you.