09/10/2025
Bow season is already upon us this weekend. Just a reminder to bear hunters, I will be tagging bears for the DNR again this year. Just call or message, I can meet you most anytime 7 days a week. A few tips on handling your bear if you want to have it mounted. Get it cooled down as soon as you can. Keep it as dry as you can. Don't let the ice melt all over it and soak it in water. If possible spread the hide out in a freezer until it's cooled down before you roll it up. Bear hides trap heat. Bacteria can develop quickly. If you want a half body mount give me a call before you skin it. Depending on the form you want will decide how I cut it. If not, try to turn the legs inside out cut them off at the elbow. Don't cut the inside of the legs and down the middle of the chest unless you are just wanting to tan the hide. It's a lot of unnecessary sewing and not always easy to hide the stitches. Here is a picture I found online as a good example of caping a deer for a shoulder mount, a bear can be done the same. I have had capes cut too short and briskets split. Hopefully this photo will help. Also on the deer get them in a freezer as soon as possible. Don't let them hang for days. If you can get it to me within a couple of days should be okay, if not freeze it. When you freeze it roll the face and ears up inside the hide and double bag it and it will last a long time without freezer burn. Leave a few inches of the neck muscle on it for a good measurement. Also for you out of state hunters that have to cape your head out due to the CWD regulations, if you want it mounted give me a call so we can get good measurements. I will probably post this again right before rifle season for the deer. Good luck to all and be safe.
