Buck In Freezer

[Jay]

How long can u have deer in the deep freeze if you are going to mount it? Is there a time limit?

[Mountain Man]

If it's the whole head and unskinned/uncaped I wouldn't leave it in there more than a few months. Any longer than that and you risk freezer burn/dehydration especially on the ears, around the eyes, and the lips and nose areas. Freezer burn can be fixed by a taxidermist but it can be time consuming and something that can be prevented. The sooner you can get it to your taxidermist the better.

If it's already been skinned/caped and the face and ears are tucked inside and the cape rolled up so that the cape is covering/protecting the face you could put it in a plastic bag, squeeze out as much air as you can, and you could leave it like that for several months or a year and it should be fine but you still might get a little freezer burn on the edges of the cape that would be behind the shoulders.

Another option is if you're sure you want it mounted, get the cape tanned and then you could freeze the tanned cape in a plastic bag and then it could be stored for a few years that way. If that gets a little dehydrated some water can be sprayed on the dry areas and they will rehydrate rather quickly.

[Jeff G]

Best is to get it to the taxidermy shop right away! I prefer to cape it, turn and salt everything right away. Bring it down to our shop and we will treat you right. Mention your a beast member and we will give you a $25 discount off a mount!

[ Post made via iPad ]

[Stanley]

Friend of mine let one in the freezer for 2 years. I have left a couple in the freezer for a year to catch up on funds. My freezer drops down to -10. I did have mine wrapped in plastic. My taxi man says as long its frozen no problem for a year or so. He says the meat on the hide may get some freezer burn but he scrapes all that off anyway.

[Jay]

Friend of mine let one in the freezer for 2 years. I have left a couple in the freezer for a year to catch up on funds. My freezer drops down to -10. I did have mine wrapped in plastic. My taxi man says as long its frozen no problem for a year or so. He says the meat on the hide may get some freezer burn but he scrapes all that off anyway.

That's what I was trying to do Stanley. I think I will take it to the taxi and see what he can do.

[Stanley]

Friend of mine let one in the freezer for 2 years. I have left a couple in the freezer for a year to catch up on funds. My freezer drops down to -10. I did have mine wrapped in plastic. My taxi man says as long its frozen no problem for a year or so. He says the meat on the hide may get some freezer burn but he scrapes all that off anyway.

That's what I was trying to do Stanley. I think I will take it to the taxi and see what he can do.

Let us know how you make out. Interested in what he has to say.