Preparing a deer head for a European mount—a skull cleaned of all tissue and meticulously preserved—requires patience and attention to detail. This guide provides a step-by-step process, emphasizing safety and best practices for achieving a stunning, museum-quality result.
Essential Tools and Materials
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials:
- Sharp knife: A fillet knife or a similar sharp blade is ideal for precise flesh removal.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from potential pathogens and irritants. Nitrile gloves are recommended.
- Safety glasses: Shield your eyes from bone fragments and splashing liquids.
- Bucket: For soaking and cleaning the skull.
- Detergent: A mild dish soap is sufficient. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Hydrogen peroxide (optional): For whitening the skull after cleaning. Choose a higher concentration (e.g., 35%) for faster whitening, but use caution. Lower concentrations (3-6%) will take longer but are safer for beginners.
- Borax (optional): A natural desiccant that helps prevent insect infestation during drying.
- Wire brush: For scrubbing away stubborn tissue. A soft wire brush is preferable to avoid scratching the bone.
- Ants: Optional, but using a colony of dermestid beetles to clean the skull is a quick and efficient method. Contact local taxidermists to see if they have dermestid beetle colonies they can help you with.
- Water hose with good pressure (optional): To help with initial cleaning of the skull.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Deer Head for a European Mount
Phase 1: Initial Preparation & Flesh Removal
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Safety First: Wear gloves and safety glasses throughout the entire process. Work in a well-ventilated area.
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Initial Cut: Using your sharp knife, carefully make an incision around the base of the antlers, separating the skull from the remaining carcass.
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Remove Soft Tissues: Carefully begin removing the soft tissues from the skull, working from the exterior towards the interior. Take your time and be methodical. A sharp knife makes this process much easier.
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Clean the Antlers: Use the knife to carefully remove any remaining muscle or skin from the antlers. Be extra careful not to damage the antlers themselves.
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Soaking and Cleaning (Alternative 1: Manual Cleaning): Place the skull in the bucket filled with warm, soapy water. Let it soak for a day or two, changing the water periodically. Use your fingers and wire brush to remove the remaining soft tissue, being careful not to damage the bone. Rinse thoroughly.
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Soaking and Cleaning (Alternative 2: Dermestid Beetles): If using dermestid beetles, carefully place the skull in a container with the beetles. The beetles will efficiently consume the remaining soft tissue. Monitor the process, and remove the skull once it's completely clean, typically within several days to a week. This is the quickest method.
Phase 2: Degreasing and Whitening
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Degreasing (If Needed): If there is significant remaining grease or oil on the bone after cleaning, use a degreasing solution or soak the skull in a solution of dawn soap and water. This process can take several weeks.
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Whitening (Optional): For a brilliant white finish, soak the skull in a hydrogen peroxide solution. The concentration and soaking time will depend on your desired result and the peroxide strength. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and be prepared for strong odors, as hydrogen peroxide is volatile. For lower concentration peroxides, consider soaking the skull for several days or even weeks. For higher concentrations, significantly less time may be required, but be more careful.
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Drying: Once the skull is thoroughly cleaned and whitened (if desired), allow it to dry completely. You can speed up this process by using a well-ventilated area or a fan. For increased protection against insects, you can apply Borax during this stage.
Phase 3: Final Touches and Mounting
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Finishing Touches: Once fully dry, carefully inspect the skull for any remaining soft tissue or debris. Gently remove them using a wire brush or tweezers.
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Finishing: You can apply a sealant to protect the skull from future damage.
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Mounting: Your European mount is now ready for mounting and display!
Safety Precautions
- Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and safety glasses.
- Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling harmful fumes.
- Dispose of all waste materials responsibly.
- Be cautious when using hydrogen peroxide, as it can be irritating to the skin and eyes.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process. Remember, patience and attention to detail are key to achieving a high-quality European mount. For more complicated or particularly large skulls, seek advice from experienced taxidermists.
