How To Clean A Deer Skull For European Mount

Gathering Your Supplies and Preparing for the Task

A Comprehensive List of Supplies

Before you even think about touching that deer skull, it’s crucial to gather all the necessary materials. Properly preparing beforehand ensures a smoother, safer, and more efficient process. This will help prevent frustrations and ensure a final product that you’ll be proud to display.

You’ll need the obvious – a deer skull. Ideally, you’ll have a freshly harvested skull, but if it’s been sitting for a while, don’t worry; the process remains largely the same, though it may require a little extra attention.

Here’s a comprehensive list of supplies:

• A sharp knife or skinning knife for initial processing.
• A utility knife or saw. This is crucial for separating the skull from the head.
• A large bucket or container. The size will depend on the size of the skull, of course.
• A reliable water source.
• Dish soap or a specialized degreaser. This will be your go-to for removing oils.
• Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) for whitening the skull.
• Rubber gloves. Protect your hands at all costs.
• Eye protection. Safety first.
• A wire brush or scraper. For removing stubborn tissue.
• Towels or rags.
• A large pot or container, if you plan to use the boiling method.
• Optional: A pressure washer (used with caution).

Prioritizing Safety: Precautions Before You Begin

This process involves working with potentially hazardous materials and sharp tools. Your health and safety should be the foremost priority.

• **Wear Protective Gear:** Always wear rubber gloves and eye protection throughout the entire process. This is non-negotiable. Gloves will protect you from potentially disease carrying pathogens and the harsh chemicals used in cleaning. Eye protection will prevent any splashes or debris from entering your eyes.
• **Ventilation is Key:** Work in a well-ventilated area, ideally outdoors or in a garage or shed with open doors and windows. The boiling, degreasing, and whitening processes can produce strong odors, and some chemicals release fumes that can be harmful if inhaled in high concentrations.
• **Avoid Bleach (Unless You’re Extremely Cautious):** While bleach can whiten a skull, it’s incredibly harsh and can damage bone structure if used improperly. If you choose to use bleach, dilute it significantly (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) and keep exposure time extremely short. Always rinse thoroughly. Hydrogen peroxide is generally a safer and more effective option for whitening.
• **Handle Sharp Tools Carefully:** Use caution when working with knives and saws. Always cut away from yourself and maintain a firm grip on the tools.

Preparing the Skull: Separating and Initial Processing

Before you can begin cleaning, you need to separate the skull from the rest of the deer’s head. This might seem daunting, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, it’s a manageable task.

• **Skinning (If Necessary):** If the head still has skin on it, you’ll need to skin it. Use your knife to carefully remove the skin from the head, paying close attention to the areas around the antlers and the ears. The goal is to expose the skull.
• **Removing the Jaw (Optional, but Recommended):** You can remove the jaw to make the cleaning process much easier. There are usually joints at the back of the jaw. Use your knife to carefully detach the jaw.
• **Separating the Head:** Use a utility knife or saw to cut the head from the neck, leaving a few inches of the neck attached to the skull to help with the mounting process later on. Make sure your cut is clean and precise. A clean cut will aid in aesthetics when finished.
• **Removing the Brain (Essential):** The brain will decompose and cause a foul odor. Carefully remove as much of the brain matter as possible using a knife or wire hook. This can be a messy task. Consider using water to flush out any remaining bits.

Choosing Your Cleaning Method: Boiling, Burying, or Maceration

Now comes the critical decision: How will you clean the skull? There are several methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The best method for you will depend on your time constraints, available resources, and personal preferences.

The Boiling Method

• **Pros:** Quickest method, good for removing meat quickly.
• **Cons:** Can damage the antlers if not careful, may require a large pot.
• **The Process:**
  • **Fleshing:** Before boiling, flesh out as much of the meat and tissue as possible using your knife and the wire brush.
  • **Boiling:** Place the skull in a large pot of water. Ensure that the antlers are kept out of the water (you may need to prop them up with something). Bring the water to a gentle boil – not a rolling boil, which can damage the skull. Allow the skull to simmer.
  • **Gentle Boiling:** The boiling time will depend on factors like the amount of tissue remaining and the heat of the water, but the process is not quick. It can take several hours, so check it periodically.
  • **Tissue Removal:** As the tissue cooks, it will become easier to remove. Use your wire brush, scraper, and knife to remove the cooked meat. Remove the brain matter.
  • **Repeat if Necessary:** Continue boiling, and removing tissue, until the skull is relatively clean.
  • **Antler Protection:** Be vigilant about protecting the antlers. Wrap them with wet towels. If they get too hot, they can crack or discolor.

The Burial Method

• **Pros:** Natural process, less labor-intensive.
• **Cons:** Time-consuming (requires months), the potential to attract animals.
• **The Process:**
  • **Fleshing:** Remove as much meat and tissue as possible.
  • **Burial:** Dig a hole in your yard. Place the skull in the hole, and cover it completely with dirt.
  • **Wait:** The skull will naturally decompose. The time required will depend on your environment, but generally, you should bury the skull for several months, maybe even a year.
  • **Excavation:** After a suitable amount of time, dig up the skull. There will still be some tissue and debris.

The Maceration Method (Cold Water Soak)

• **Pros:** Least likely to damage antlers, relatively safe.
• **Cons:** Requires patience.
• **The Process:**
  • **Fleshing:** Begin by removing as much flesh as possible.
  • **The Soak:** Place the skull in a container of water. Be sure the water covers the entire skull.
  • **The Location:** Set the container in a shaded location where it can experience fluctuating temperatures.
  • **Water Changes:** Change the water every few days. As the skull macerates, the water will become quite unpleasant.
  • **Patience:** It can take a couple of weeks to remove the bulk of the tissue. Eventually, you’ll be left with a clean skull.

Degreasing: Removing the Oils

Regardless of the cleaning method you choose, degreasing is essential. Deer skulls naturally contain oils, which can prevent the skull from whitening properly and cause a lingering odor.

• **Why Degreasing is Important:** The oils will seep out over time. They are also difficult to remove once dried.
• **The Process:**
  • **The Mixture:** Make a degreasing solution. The solution should consist of hot water and dish soap. A strong dish soap with degreasing properties works best.
  • **Submerge:** Submerge the cleaned skull completely in the degreasing solution.
  • **Soak:** Allow the skull to soak for several days or even weeks, depending on the oil content.
  • **Change and Monitor:** Change the degreasing solution every few days, and monitor the water for discoloration.
  • **Repeat:** Repeat the soaking and water changing process until the water remains clear.
  • **Rinse Thoroughly:** After degreasing is complete, rinse the skull thoroughly with clean water.

Whitening the Skull: Bringing Out the Beauty

Once degreased, it’s time to whiten the skull. This will give your European mount its classic, pristine appearance.

• **The Right Solution:** Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution, the kind you can buy at most drugstores) is your best bet. Never use a stronger concentration unless you’re a professional, as it can damage the bone structure.
• **The Process:**
  • **Submerge or Paint:** The easiest method is to submerge the skull in a container filled with hydrogen peroxide.
  • **Timeframe:** Leave the skull in the hydrogen peroxide solution for several hours, keeping a close eye on the progress.
  • **Surface Application:** Alternatively, you can apply the hydrogen peroxide directly to the skull with a brush. This can be particularly useful for areas that are difficult to submerge.
  • **Rinse and Dry:** After whitening, rinse the skull thoroughly with clean water and allow it to dry completely.

Final Steps and Mounting: Presenting Your Trophy

You’re almost there! Now, it’s time for the finishing touches.

• **Drying is Crucial:** Allow the skull to air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. This can take several days. Ensure that the skull is completely dry before proceeding.
• **Minor Repairs (If Needed):** Occasionally, you might find small cracks or imperfections. You can fill these with a bone-colored epoxy or filler.
• **Mounting Options:** The final step is to mount your European mount. Consider various methods.
  • Plaques: Display the skull on a wooden plaque.
  • European Mount Kits: Kits provide all the necessary hardware.
  • Direct Wall Mounting: Mount the skull directly to the wall with an appropriate mounting system.
• **Antler Care:** If your antlers need to be touched up, you can use a wood stain or sealant to enhance their appearance.

Tips to Ensure a Successful European Mount

• Patience is a Virtue: This is not a quick process. The results are worth the wait.
• Handle Antlers with Care: The antlers are the focal point of a European mount. Avoid damaging them.
• Be Thorough with Degreasing: Degreasing is an essential step. Insufficient degreasing will affect the final result.
• Consider Professional Help: If you’re uncomfortable with any part of the process or want the highest-quality results, consider seeking professional assistance from a taxidermist. They have the expertise, tools, and experience to deliver flawless results.

Creating a European mount is a rewarding process. By following these steps, and with a little patience and dedication, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning trophy that will be admired for years to come. Enjoy the process, take your time, and be proud of the results of your hard work! The beautiful display will definitely be a lasting memory of a successful hunt and a trophy that can be passed on for generations.