Mounting a deer skull as a European deer mount is a popular and cost-effective way to display your hunting trophy. Traditionally, this process involves boiling the skull to remove the flesh and then bleaching it to achieve the desired white finish. However, boiling can be messy, time-consuming, and may even damage the skull if not done correctly. Fortunately, there is an alternative method that allows you to achieve the same stunning results without the need for boiling. In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of doing a European deer mount without boiling.
Materials you will need:
- A fresh deer skull
- Sharp knife
- Podcasts
- Plastic wrap or garbage bags
- Beetle colony or dermestid beetles
- Plastic container with a tight-fitting lid
- Bleach
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Paintbrush
- Wire or string
- Optional: Skull mounting plaque
The step-by-step process:
After you harvest a deer, field dress it and remove the head with the antlers intact. Use a sharp knife to carefully remove the hide and as much flesh as possible from the skull. This is an important step to prevent odor and decay during the mounting process.
Wrap the antlers in plastic wrap or garbage bags to protect them from the chemicals used in the next steps, as they can cause discoloration.
Place the skull in a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. If you have access to a beetle colony or dermestid beetles, place a few of them in the container with the skull. These beetles will naturally eat away the remaining flesh, leaving you with a clean skull. Be sure to provide ventilation holes in the container to allow air circulation.
Once the flesh is completely removed, it’s time to bleach the skull. Mix a solution of water and bleach in a ratio of 1:1. Submerge the skull in the solution and let it soak for about 24 hours. Check the skull regularly to ensure it doesn’t over-bleach, as this can weaken the bone.
After bleaching, remove the skull from the solution and rinse it thoroughly with water. Next, mix a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water in a ratio of 1:1. Use a paintbrush to apply the solution to the skull, ensuring complete coverage. This will help whiten the bone and give it a natural finish.
Allow the skull to air dry completely. To prevent curling of the antlers, tie a string or wire around the base of the antlers and hang the skull upside down in a well-ventilated area. Once the skull is dry, it’s ready for mounting. You can attach it to a skull mounting plaque for a professional-looking display.
Tips and precautions:
- Wear gloves and protective eyewear throughout the process to protect yourself from chemicals and bacteria.
- Ensure proper ventilation when using bleach and hydrogen peroxide.
- Do not leave the skull unattended during the beetle cleaning process, as it may attract unwanted pests.
- Always follow the instructions on the packaging when using chemicals.
By following these steps, you can achieve a stunning European deer mount without the need for boiling. This alternative method not only saves you time and effort but also minimizes the risk of damaging the skull. So, next time you go hunting, give this method a try and proudly display your trophy for all to admire!
Frequently Asked Questions For How To Master The European Deer Mount Without Boiling: A Step-by-step Guide
How Do You Do A European Deer Mount Without Boiling?
To do a European deer mount without boiling, you can use the beetles method or maceration method.
What Is The Beetles Method For A European Deer Mount Without Boiling?
The beetles method involves allowing dermestid beetles to eat the flesh off the skull, leaving behind a clean and intact skull for mounting.
How Does The Beetles Method Work In European Deer Mount Without Boiling?
In the beetles method, dermestid beetles consume the soft tissues of the deer skull, leaving only the clean bones for the mount.
What Is The Maceration Method For A European Deer Mount Without Boiling?
The maceration method involves soaking the skull in water for several weeks to allow decomposition and bacterial action to remove the flesh.