Stokes Boardman Taxidermy

Skinning & Hide Care

Skinning Instructions for Shoulder Mounts

Abdominal incisions should STOP AT THE GIRTH
(A). Cut completely around animal at girth (cut A-B). Cut around knee (C). Cut (C-D) on backside of front legs LEAVING "UNDERARM" ALONE, connect with cut (A-B) at (D). cut (B-E) down the top of the neck. This will allow removal of the body and neck from the cape, leaving the head in. Skinning of the head should be left for someone experienced or who has more detailed instructions than are given here.

 caping (4846 bytes)

Rugs Eviscerate animal from anus to under head. Front leg cuts are made starting at the foot. Cut from the middle of the "wrist" (A) down the inside center to the chest. Hind leg cuts are made from heel (B) to anus following backside of hind leg.

Note: It is important to always start at the foot. This facilitates making the correct cuts. If it is not possible to deliver skin to taxidermist immediately, freeze specimen or keep extremely cool.

 rug skin(5661 bytes)

If you cannot properly cape your animal, leave the head and paws (if applicable) and we will do the caping for you.  We charge  $100-200 depending on animal type...see our rates page.  EXCEPTION: Deer and Elk harvested from Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Illinois, South Dakota, Nebraska or Saskatchewan (Canada) must have the head removed. WDFW Importation of non-resident deer & elk

Hides SHOULD NOT be salted unless they are properly caped with the ears and lips turned. If the hide is not caped, turned and salted, it should be stowed in a cold, near freezing temperature until delivered to the taxidermist within 2-3 days.  If this cannot be accomplished, it should be frozen.