So I have an archery elk tag this september in NM. If i get lucky and get a bull down, i am going to have to cape it myslef and pack it back to the truck. I have watched videos on how to do it, slitting the hide up along the back of the neck to the base or the horns. But this is more than i have done on any whitetail. On a deer i would hang it the comfort of my barn, and cut the circumference just behind the front legs, pull the hide up to the skull, and cut the head off and drop it off at the taxidermist. Cutting the hide and skinning the face seems a little daunting to me. I've skinned coons before and was never great at not messing up the ears, nose and eyes.
Is this what everybody does? Or do some of you do it like a whitetail and let the taxidermist take it from there? My biggest worry is it will be hot, and by the time i get the meat then skull back to the truck, knowing i can't get the head and horns in a cooler, the hide will be ruined from the heat before i get it to the taxidermist. What do yall do?
Thanks!
Is this what everybody does? Or do some of you do it like a whitetail and let the taxidermist take it from there? My biggest worry is it will be hot, and by the time i get the meat then skull back to the truck, knowing i can't get the head and horns in a cooler, the hide will be ruined from the heat before i get it to the taxidermist. What do yall do?
Thanks!