Yes the velvet is tricky. There are several ways to preserve the velvet. All but one cause shrinkage and the "fuzz" to look a little shaggy. there is alot of blood in the veins and when it is flushed out, it has no choice but to shrink. That is whay my the velvet on my buck looks a little rough. Freeze drying is the only way I have found to preserve the velvet and keep it plush with out shrinkage. Keep in mind though, if it is a record book animal and you plan to enter it, they will NOT allow a freeze dried set of antlers. The reason is because it does not dry and shrink for 60 days in its natural state. Another option would be to have artificial velvet put on.
Yes sir, i did the work myself and thank you for the compliment.