Cleaning a deer head for a skull mount is a rewarding process that preserves a hunting trophy for years to come. This detailed guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you achieve a clean, museum-quality skull mount. Remember safety first – always wear gloves and eye protection throughout the process.
Preparing the Deer Head
Before starting the cleaning process, you'll need the proper tools and materials. Gather these items beforehand:
- Sharp Knife: For initial flesh removal.
- Scraper: A sturdy metal scraper works best for removing stubborn tissue.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from bacteria and potential hazards.
- Eye Protection: Essential to prevent accidental injuries.
- Bucket: For soaking the skull.
- Detergent: Mild dish soap will suffice.
- Hydrogen Peroxide (Optional): For whitening the skull.
- Borax (Optional): For insect control during the drying phase.
- Plastic Bags: For storing the skull during various stages.
Step 1: Initial Flesh Removal
Carefully remove as much meat and tissue from the skull as possible using your sharp knife. Be meticulous, working your way around the antlers, nasal cavity, and eye sockets. Remove any remaining sinew or muscle fibers. This initial step is crucial for minimizing the time the skull spends in the soaking process.
Step 2: Soaking the Skull
Place the skull in a bucket filled with cool water and a small amount of mild dish soap. Soaking helps loosen the remaining tissue and makes it easier to remove. Let it soak for several days, changing the water every 24 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Step 3: Removing the Remaining Tissue
After several days of soaking, carefully remove the skull from the bucket. Using your scraper, remove the remaining soft tissue. Pay close attention to the small crevices and nasal cavity. You can use a toothbrush to help clean hard to reach areas. Be patient; this process can take time and careful effort.
Step 4: Cleaning the Skull
Once you've removed as much tissue as possible with scraping, you can further clean the skull with a more powerful cleaner like degreaser. This ensures complete removal of fats, oils, and residues. Rinse thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
Whitening and Preparing for Mounting
Once completely clean and dry, you can choose to whiten the skull. This step isn't necessary but greatly enhances the final aesthetic.
Step 1: Whitening with Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a safe and effective method to whiten a deer skull. Place the skull in a container and cover it completely with 30% hydrogen peroxide. Allow it to soak for a few days, checking frequently to ensure the desired level of whiteness. Remove it and rinse thoroughly. Important: Always work in a well-ventilated area when using hydrogen peroxide.
Step 2: Protecting the Skull from Insects
After the skull is completely dry and whitened, you can take measures to protect it from insects, particularly beetles that might damage the bone. Dusting the skull liberally with borax is a common and effective method for insect control.
Step 3: Final Preparation for Mounting
Your cleaned deer skull is now ready for mounting. A professional taxidermist is usually the best option to ensure a quality mount. They have the experience and tools to create a professional, lasting display for your trophy.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem: Residual odor. Solution: Soak the skull longer and rinse thoroughly. Use a stronger degreaser solution. After drying, soak in a solution of baking soda and water to neutralize remaining odors.
Problem: Unremoved tissue. Solution: Re-soak the skull and use a more powerful scraper to remove stubborn tissue. Consider using a pressure washer to remove remaining tissue in crevices and tight spaces.
Problem: Yellowing after whitening. Solution: The peroxide concentration may have been too weak, or the skull may not have been adequately cleaned beforehand.
Remember, cleaning a deer skull for mounting takes patience and precision. Following these steps carefully will yield a high-quality skull ready for professional mounting, preserving your hunting memory for a lifetime.