European Mounts and the Processor

[SwampJ]

I recently asked a question about getting a deer processed and what different cuts to ask for. You guys really helped me out and I’m very thankful.
But here’s my next question:
How do I need to go about taking a deer that I want to get European mounted to the processor? Do I tell them that I plan on getting the deer mounted? Do I cut the head off prior to dropping the deer off? Do I ask them to cut the head off for me? Do I pick the head up along with the meat when it’s time? Sorry for so many questions, I’m still very new to what happens after the kill.

 

[T-Max]

I recently asked a question about getting a deer processed and what different cuts to ask for. You guys really helped me out and I’m very thankful.
But here’s my next question:
How do I need to go about taking a deer that I want to get European mounted to the processor? Do I tell them that I plan on getting the deer mounted? Do I cut the head off prior to dropping the deer off? Do I ask them to cut the head off for me? Do I pick the head up along with the meat when it’s time? Sorry for so many questions, I’m still very new to what happens after the kill.

I certainly wouldn't leave the head with the processor. Too many horror stories about lost deer. Depending on the tag and any requirement to have proof of sex until processed, I would take it to the processor with the head attached and bring a means to remove the head with me. Then you can check all the necessary boxes and still leave with your trophy.

 

[yoderjac]

I certainly wouldn't leave the head with the processor. Too many horror stories about lost deer. Depending on the tag and any requirement to have proof of sex until processed, I would take it to the processor with the head attached and bring a means to remove the head with me. Then you can check all the necessary boxes and still leave with your trophy.

I agree, I'd remove the head before taking it to a processor.

 

[loshonhora]

Many deer processors will cape the deer for you to take to your taxidermist. Ask them ahead of time. If your state requires that the head be attached when you take it to the processor, then they may cut it off for you right there. if you want a shoulder mount, you need about the whole front half of the deer skin for the taxidermist. Ifyou want a skull mount, & touch don't need the head attached as "proof of sex", then just cut the head off at the base of the skull.

 

[yoderjac]

Many deer processors will cape the deer for you to take to your taxidermist. Ask them ahead of time. If your state requires that the head be attached when you take it to the processor, then they may cut it off for you right there. if you want a shoulder mount, you need about the whole front half of the deer skin for the taxidermist. Ifyou want a skull mount, & touch don't need the head attached as "proof of sex", then just cut the head off at the base of the skull.

I wouldn't bother for a European mount, but for a shoulder mount, I do it the other way. I take it to the taxidermist to cape it. Since I process my own, I skin it part way and cut off the neck. I take the hide and head in and they finish the cape. It is more of a taxidermist skill than a butcher skill and they can't blame the butcher.

 

[loshonhora]

The processors skin to the base of the skull & cut the head off. Taxidermist finishes the detail work. A lot of processors around here save & sell all the hides. They charge to cape, but some charge extra for already skinned deer.

 

[buckdeer1]

Most all processors charge to cape if they know how.If you are paying someone to the Euro mount see if they charge extra to skin head.Easiest way to cut head off is sharp knife through meat at base of skull all the way around then a cordless sawzall with wood cutting blade.If I don't have one you can separate the vertebra at the base of skull