HOW TO FLESH A DEER CAPE FOR BEGINNERS! A FIVE DOLLAR WAY TO GET THE JOB DONE! FLESHING AND SALTING

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

If this video was helpful please be sure to subscribe, it’s free!! Thanks y’all!

[@alvinphillips4045]

Got to share this ! i visited a local shop yesterday introduced myself and told the guy i was 66 yrs young and was wanting to do some taxidermy as a hobby ( was not asking for trade secrets ) he would not even tell me his name much less anything bout taxidermy ! Ha , had a small chat bout fishing and left . So let me tell you i am VERY grateful for what you share ! Thanks Brother

[@jason6325]

This is hands down the best taxadermy channel out there. I feel like you help the average guy.

[@kashoverall3843]

Sir,you are the Bob Ross of taxidermy. I appreciate the videos!!!

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

I just want everyone to enjoy mounting happy little deer. 😂

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Thank you!

[@courtneycaudill6362]

Love the content. Literally sitting here taking notes trying to remember things he’s saying.

[@ChippyChickadeeOrFadeMacaw]

Same here 😅

[@cristilaye5912]

I was taught a similar method! Invert cape on a 3 inch pvc pipe. Lean on table sit in chair flesh away and pushcape down into tube as you go. Works great. We used the sharp razor blades from paint store. Can do 4 or 5 a day.

[@stevendarst7595]

Man, you are a great teacher. You explain the whole process so well.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Thank you

[@TexasEmpire]

Could you do a video talking specifically about when it’s ok to pause the the process and re freeze the hide. I know that may seem simple. But I’m new to this and my work schedule is crazy. I’d almost have to do one step at a time when I’m home if that’s possible. Your videos the best thing since sliced bread. Most you tubers talk about how you have to have this and that. You keep simple for us box of rocks people! Thank you!

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

I'll try and do that soon.

[@HERITAGEWV]

That is exactly the way I’ve done all of my mounts and it works excellent. Take your time and get the feel for it and you won’t be slicing as many holes in capes. But for anyone that has never used a fleshing wheel.. you can’t use that wheel to flesh and turn all the meticulous areas of the face that everyone is focusing on anyway. And the fleshing wheel cuts holes also. Great work bud!

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Awesome!

[@chasefreeman254]

Thanks for the content. I think I’m gonna take the leap and teach myself taxidermy. Tired of paying 6-800 dollars on mounts and waiting on them for a year. You make it simple

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Go for it!

[@billc3405]

I have only watch 3 of your videos. You do a Excellent job giving alot of details while keeping it very simple. Better then most so called professional videos from the supply houses.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Thank you very much. I learned taxidermy from KZbin and I try to fill in the gaps from what I couldn't find back when I was learning.

[@jameschancey251]

Thanks for the videos. I'm trying to get back into taxidermy after being out of it for 35 years. Some things have changed so I appreciate any new info I can get.

[@bigal25938]

This is good stuff. Got my first cape in the freezer for my first attempt. Exactly the video I need. Thanks.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Thanks for watching! Good luck!

[@dhan7072]

I appreciate these videos also. Im getting ready to do my first deer. Using some donor capes on some euro mounts of mine, for practice.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Good luck man!

[@ChippyChickadeeOrFadeMacaw]

I am as well. In a few months deer season ends in my state, so I hope the hunter that I am paying is gonna get this deer soon. ;-; I’ve only taxidermied a squirrel in the past.

[@silentmun6657]

Thank you so much!!! I been wanting to do taxidermy and ya video's help me so much to learn how to do thing's like this!!! I go hunting myself so i can practice with what i get. I just love taxidermy. Have a few deer heads myself cant waut to try it by myself!

[@snowman7701]

Nice fleshing board.

[@SnipeEasyC2015]

Im not an expert on taxidermy. Thats why im here watching you. I do know a thing or two about sharpening a blade. For that razor. Instead of that polishing stick. Try a leather strop. The two sides of the leather will work for that razor so much better.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

I’ll try that

[@judybare2896]

I love your taxidermy videos and your hunting videos! I look forward to them. Thank you for these.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Thank you so much

[@judybare2896]

Be sure to take us to the next step after this salting.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

@@judybare2896 will do!

[@Matt_Dove3]

How do you keep track of the capes and the deer heads from start to finish? I'm sure you have a system but i would be afraid to mix the capes up in the process. Thanks!

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

I use masking tape on the antlers and write the number and name on the tape, then I tag each bag with the capes in them with the corresponding name and number. Once I flesh the cape, I put a tag on it when I start the tanning process with its number.

[@christopherfox6565]

Awesome video! I use the same blade for my thinning as well.

[@billrhodes2800]

Thank you for sharing you work with us.

[@keithkester8574]

I use an Outdoor Edge boning knife that’s my go-to I like the longer blade. Don’t know what kind of pickle and tan you use but what I do is flesh all the heavy meat and fat off the green cape with the boning knife. I salt it, drop it in a rehydration bath to pull out all the blood, rinse it and then it goes into the pickle. I pickle it for about 24 hours, pull it out to drip dry and then thin it all the way down on the neck and face with my scalpel. Back in the pickle for half a day, neutralize then into the tan. But I feel your pain I need a fleshing machine myself soon it gets tiresome doing dozens of capes by hand

[@brandonstrickland1685]

I commented on one of your videos the other day asking to show how you did the fleshing on the nose and you said you would make one. Well turns out you already did this one covered everything great video i appreciate it

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Ok great. I'm going to do another one specifically showing how I prep the nose for mounting and how I mount it

[@brandonstrickland1685]

@@thecedarridgechronicles looking forward to it thanks

[@campbellmarty36]

Love your channel!!!!☝️👍👍👍🦌🦌🦌

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Thank you!

[@lindatipton2390]

I'm so glad to see this video no one will tell this

[@lindatipton2390]

You call it fleshing don't you mean your just removing the silver skin

[@lindatipton2390]

Love the American flag statue of liberty and the American eagle

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

No you flesh all the meat, sinew, and fat all the way down to the leather

[@billybooth6737]

Excellent video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Look forward to your next video.

[@jasonnester9514]

Love that guitar rip u play wish I had it on a cd for my shop lol

[@timgurtner5248]

Nice video for beginners.

[@McNett_]

I’ve found out that there is stuff in my water that makes the hair slip out of my hides and I prevent that by salting them first ;)

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Yeah if you don't salt after fleshing, bacteria will eat the hair follicles and it will fall out. Capes should never be left in water unless it is a pickle, tan, or rehydration bath.

[@rodneyporter93]

I wish I had someone like you that lived close to me were I could learn how to do it as good as you I’m disabled I have broke my back and neck twice and I would love to know how to do it we’re I could just do it for my family and friends for a hobby I live right outside of Rome GA and no one around here will show ya anything they so stingy and greedy you seem to be a great guy would love to meet ya someday Rodney

[@bullyyardzdotcom]

My step-son got a deer last year and the head and cape have been in the freezer since then. He said I can use it to practice on and learn. Glad I came across your videos. Thanks for the complete tutorials!

[@xXKingReptarXx]

You talking about your artificial heart valve really got me lol. I work on hearts and am very familiar with them. I heard that noise in several of your videos and was wondering if that’s what it was lol.

[@robincrosscarpenter1]

How many days would you leave a fox skin covered in salt before moving on to the next step?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Overnight would be plenty of time👍

[@SparkyVFV]

power washer for the win

[@dcfishing4992]

do you know how i would be able to get a cape? Because one of my friends dad killed some deer back in like the 1960's and the capes that i have are already in use.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Call some local taxidermists. They sometimes have some they can sell you.

[@RTF1978]

Hey David love watching your videos! Been looking at getting started with deer mounts. I used to put up fur and scrape hides with a post fleshing knife do you think that would work as well? Also how do you thin your capes out without a flesher? The same way with a scalpel? Thanks

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Yes it will work. The hides can be thinned fairly well with a scalpel while they are raw, but I now have a fleshing machine and it is a must for too quality work. Also saves a ton of time

[@Jay-ui5jk]

Been a subscriber to your channel for a couple years now and always enjoyed your videos. I just took my first customer deer this morning. Got the head caped out and back in the freezer for now. I was looking for your video about the pickle and tanning steps and can’t find it. May be overlooking it. What’s the title of this video. Thanks again. Keep the videos coming.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

I deleted it because I updated my process. Use this one instead.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

HOW TO MOUNT A DEER HEAD | THE WHOLE PROCESS! My NEW techniques! *SUPER EASY* Whitetail Taxidermy!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIuXpqCAnKumfc0

[@Jay-ui5jk]

Watching it now. Thanks again

[@kylegodbee7717]

I just fleshed my first deer today. I fleshed it all and got everything turned, but I used a pressure washer at the end to get it cleaned up good. It was completely white after pressure washing but I was left with stringy membrane in places, i assume. I dried it with towels and salted before hanging. Should I have got the membrane off or should it be ok? I was paranoid that I was setting myself up for slippage, but it looks I was trying to get my capes cleaner than you did.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

I believe you will be good as long as the cape was dried enough to get good salt penetration. The salt will pull out the fluids in the hide regardless of how dirty it is as long as it is fleshed enough for the salt to make contact with the bare skin. Afterwards a good saltwater bath to rehydrate draws out the rest of the blood and washes the cape

[@kylegodbee7717]

I salted it for 2 days and then put it in salt water for 1.5 hours before it was back pliable. It is currently in pickle and all looks well. Thanks for your videos. They are very informative and this is something I have wanted to try for years.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

It should be fine, just make sure if you use a salt frame to keep it covered in salt really well. The water and fluids will make a lot of it run off

[@taylorfranklin1114]

How do you rehydrate them after the second salting?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Soak them in a saltwater bath until they are pliable again. Usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour

[@loganwoodyoutdoors]

Going to be tanning my first doe hide this year. Thoughts on fleshing with an angle grinder?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

It would probably do pretty good with a stiff wire wheel. Gonna make a huge mess though, so be prepared lol!

[@dustyterry764]

What part of Alabama are you located? My grandpaw ran a taxidermy business in North Alabama around Courtland. He’s been retired now for some years and I really appreciate your videos for helping me brush up on everything he showed me before I start out on my own.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

I'm in Cullman in north Alabama. I have 3 deer in my shop now from Courtland!

[@abramkulow8341]

Great video , so what is next step to rehydrate like how to rehydrate then next step?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIuXpqCAnKumfc0

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

This vid is everything afterwards except epoxy and paint

[@tntmecillas71]

very informative videos thanks for sharing. how long can you keep a green cape in the freezer?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

It mostly depends on how it is frozen. I really need to do a video on this. If there is plenty of meat and fat on the cape it will hold moisture and help prevent freezer burn, but also the cape should be rolled up beginning at the top of the nose so that the excess is surrounding the head while in storage. When done this way, I have used an extra cape I had that was 3 years old with no issues. Done incorrectly I have seen them burn in less than a year.

[@Jut3333]

I fleshed many of fur bearers with fleshing knives, cant you use that? Just wondering. You are very insightful. Thank for the great information.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

I can, and probably will once I buy my fleshing machine. Right now I'm having to flesh and thin in the same step. Thanks for watching!

[@adamsoutdoors]

I have only watched a few of your videos. I noticed the sound in the background, just assumed you had something running in the shop. You mentioned a heart valve. Do you have an LVAD?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

No I don't, just a mechanical valve. I'm sure the sound you hear is probably my fan. Sometimes I forget to turn it off when I record 😂

[@juliodias6041]

How long is it talking you to flesh the face? I did one this past weekend and it literally took me like 6 hours. I am sure I will get faster as I get more experience, but 6 hours with some breaks in between is a long time. Also, can I get the name of the scalpel that you are using? I am going through a lot of them. I tried sharpening like the way you did and the ones that I am using do not sharp well. Thanks again

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Probably about 20 minutes or so. You will definitely get faster it just takes some repetition and getting a feel for the different parts of the face. It takes about 1 1/2 hours to do an entire cape

[@zachbolling1109]

Awesome video buddy!! Your videos help me so much! After you double salt it you put it in a pickling solution?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Yes I do. I will video the next step soon and try to get it on here

[@zachbolling1109]

What’s the name of your knife handle?

[@rbljackson]

Recently found your channel because im trying to self teach on how to do a deer mount. Ive watched a few other channels and noticing differences between processes. My question is this; Looks like you have caped the animal and are now doing all the fleshing prior to salting or pickling, is that correct? Any concerns with the hair starting to slip ? IM guessing it will take me longer to flesh being new to it. So if I harvest a deer this year and want to freeze cape for taxidermy, can I cape and then immediately freeze. When it thaws, should I salt and pickle then flesh? Or does it get harder to flesh after salting/rinsing/ pickling?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Try to freeze the cape just as soon as possible after the deer is killed. Once you get ready to flesh it, just make sure you do the fleshing as soon as it is thawed enough to do so. It will have to be thawed completely, but you will have time to work with it as long as you get it salted immediately after you get it fleshed. Fleshing has to be done before salting or pickling.

[@jacobstuttgen9549]

Do you still thin the hide at a later step then?? And how would u do that?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

I do not. If you want a really thin hide you would need a fleshing machine, but I do not use one. At least not yet. It may be something I buy in the future but a scalpel will flesh thin enough to accept pickle and tan

[@savannahtallent1569]

I must have one of those tough hides cause it has been a chore!

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Some of them, especially the older deer are horrible!

[@SargentMike]

awesome videos man! these are super helpful. Where do you get those cape frames?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

From McKenzie taxidermy supply a long time ago. You can also make them easily with some heavy rod and plastic tubing

[@SargentMike]

@@thecedarridgechronicles probably some 1/8th rod?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

That would probably work. I think these are close to 1/4

[@bluevoid5171]

I've got a cape. It's hard to get all the fat off and where I'm new at it, trying to take my time, parts of the fat on the cape started to dry. Do you have any tips on getting all the fat off or do you have to? I got all the big peaces off but it's like the smaller stuff.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

You need to get as much off as possible for the pickle to get good penetration, and if you have to, you could put a little salt water where it is drying to hydrate it enough to flesh.

[@bluevoid5171]

@@thecedarridgechronicles Okay thanks!!!

[@bigal25938]

Like watching, will like doing but if I had to do that for a job I’d quit.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Hahahaha!! It's not for everyone!

[@johnc.wunscheljr2873]

Why did you not show the ears? How big is the fleshing board or beams you are using ?? 12"wide x 24" long? Same with your stretching boards ? I have to make mine.🤠. great video

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/naawh4lvlr9ko6M

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pX7Li5lrjKd4sK8

[@ryancline7551]

What happens if you salt for to long the cape just gets to stiff to work ?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

It will get hard as a rock on a frame for a few days, but it can be rehydrated in salt water and relaxer if it’s too bad

[@wvhunter1]

Are you using a #6 wire fur stretcher to hang the salted capes on? A #6 is about a foot wide and and 4.5 feet long.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

It's got to be very close to that size if it isn't the exact same one. I bought them from McKenzie and I believe they just have the one size labeled as a "s-s frame"

[@wvhunter1]

@@thecedarridgechronicles Thanks - you just saved me $36. unfortunately the S-S from McKenzie is $50 and doesn’t give the dimensions or size. I found a size #6 at Cabelas with the dimensions listed as 12” x 59” for $13.99. It looks like the one you use so I wanted to ask to make sure it would work. I appreciate the feedback!

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Absolutely!

[@jason6325]

I have a mount done by a local taxadermy that is no longer in business. The hair is falling out bad you can run your hand down the mount and have a hand full of hair it's really agrivating. I'm assuming it's due to poor work on the hide

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Either it wasn't tanned properly or if dry preservatives were used, it wasn't completely covered.

[@toneybetsill]

did you make the racks that you hang your hides on?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

I bought mine a long time ago from McKenzie taxidermy supply, but they would be way cheaper to make with some heavy rod and tubing

[@stevenbender-fj4yx]

Any reason you don't use a fleshing knife?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

I do now that I have a fleshing machine but I needed the scalpel to get the cape thin enough without it

[@mocasonman36]

do you have a link for that exacto knife and blades?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

I just added it to this video

[@juliodias6041]

After the pickle do you shave the hide to make it thinner?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

I actually never have. One of these days I'm going to break down and buy me a fleshing machine, but so far I just think with a scalpel. Highly recommended that you shave the cape if you can buy you a fleshing machine though. Especially northern deer.

[@hudsonoutdoors7247]

Hey Daniel, this is something I have wanted to do for a long time and your videos have answered so many questions I have had. I heard in the video you talk about some people flesh with a pressure washer. Do you know if they salt there hides after they flesh them that way before they put them in the pickle? Thanks for the videos and information you are given out!

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

The ones that I know that pressure wash use a submersible tan that is mixed into the pickle, and they never salt the cape.

[@hudsonoutdoors7247]

Thanks, I may try that at a later time once I’ve fleshed one out with a scalpel. Im a little confused on when to measure for a form. Do I measure once I’ve capped the hide out or do I measure after I’ve fleshed the hide out?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

@@hudsonoutdoors7247 measure it after it's fleshed and before it is ever salted. You can measure it as soon as it is caped if there are no large chunks of meat on it.

[@hudsonoutdoors7247]

Thank you so much, I measured it after I capped the hide out but I will definitely re measure to make sure I have the correct measurements. These South Georgia deer don’t leave a lot of meat on there hides but every deer is different like you said. Thanks again!

[@adamb8467]

hello sir, was wondering if you deleted your tanning and pickling video? can't seem to find it, thanks

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

I did. My newest mounting video has instructions, better and more updated ones, based on what I have changed. I will post the link 👍

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

HOW TO MOUNT A DEER HEAD | THE WHOLE PROCESS! My NEW techniques! *SUPER EASY* Whitetail Taxidermy!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIuXpqCAnKumfc0

[@adamb8467]

awesome thank you, and thank you for the instructional videos

[@brandondubois9849]

What stand are you using to hold your mounts?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

They are wall mounts that I bought from McKenzie taxidermy supply

[@dzuverink]

Do you thin any other areas of the cape that do not get sewed?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

I think the entire thing as much as I can with a scalpel. All the way to the hair follicles on the face, and as thin as I can get down the neck.

[@dzuverink]

@@thecedarridgechronicles Even the neck where you do not need to sew?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

As much as possible, but not necessary. It will just show more detail

[@timneas7749]

So your shaving from head to tail?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Only on a pack mount

[@georgesyfert1302]

Just wanted to say thank you, also the Amazon link for the salt does not work.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Ok thank you. I'll check on that

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

It should be fixed now, also, if you can find it at a feed store it is cheaper, but make sure it is fine granules.

[@mikehall8401]

Cool video 👌 Not sure why you skipped the ears though.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Only because I have a video specifically on the ears because of the details I needed to show

[@scottieshawn4814]

Why not use the fleshishing knife they are only like 30 bucks. Coon Creek outdoors does hides in like a couple minutes

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

I can get them thinner myself with a scalpel and since I'm not using a fleshing machine I need them as thin as possible

[@mtrcamo]

Know anyone who makes good turkey mounting videos?. I live eat and breathe turkey so I might as well learn how to do those too.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Shane Smith in Bridgeport Alabama has some good videos on Facebook 👍

[@Choppinwoodandridingood]

Idk what you charge, but it ain’t enough

[@gerardwhelan5259]

😅😊

[@jasonroberts930]

Use a pressure washer a lot easier!!!

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

I have a fleshing machine now. I can knife flesh one in about 10 minutes 👍

[@jasonroberts930]

@thecedarridgechronicles same here either way works good. I just like a pressure washer because it gets 100% of the blood out of the hide.

[@dynawideglide44]

I assume they don't smell too pleasant at this point lol

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

They really just smell like blood. They should be fresh

[@dynawideglide44]

@@thecedarridgechronicles Oh really. Well didn't know how it would be. Been watching your vids lately and subscribed. Great info. Thinking of doing one myself eventually after sending one to my local Taxidermist recently. Good work👍

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

You should try one! It's not too bad

[@ANTLERONE1]

How do you stand the smell of those skulls macerating ?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

I change the water daily so it's not as bad as you would think, but you definitely couldn't do it with a weak stomach lol