Originally Posted By: Tim NeitzkeNot sure about where you are at, but here in Michigan a mature buck cape will fetch $100-200 depending on the size. Hard to come by a real big cape if needed,as most people get them mounted. Next problem if you want a match close as you can get ,is getting the correct hair ie; early fall hair, mid season hair and full on winter hair.
I've pondered if I would ever use a donor cape on something of mine. As of right now, I don't think I would. Everybody has their own feelings on this, as the hide is just as much of the mount at the antlers.
I'm in NE ohio. we put out some large deer around me but most get mounted. I am fairly new to all this big buck and mounting stuff so I wasn't sure I could freeze it. I attached a pic, I doubt anything can match his face and skull cap cause ive never seen one like that color. I was thinking about your last comment and I agree the hide is just as important. I got my first buck mounted and it took me 15yrs to get him shot him last year so that's what told me don't mount the other one but then I had guys telling me how he would make 150'' and non typical and mount him.