Knowing how to skin a big game head and remove the jaw is an essential skill for hunters who want to preserve their trophy for taxidermy or properly prepare the skull for a European mount. This process, often called caping a big game head, begins with precise cuts around the antlers or horns, followed by careful skinning to protect delicate facial features. Jaw removal requires freeing connective tissue and muscles without damaging the hide or bone. Not only does this ensure a high-quality mount, but it also lightens your load for backcountry pack-outs, making it easier to haul your harvest over long distances and steep terrain. By learning proper taxidermy prep in the field and skull preparation for transport, you’ll reduce spoilage risk, protect your hide from damage, and arrive at the trailhead with a trophy ready for professional mounting or cleaning.