Introduction
Bringing home a magnificent deer head after a successful hunt is a moment filled with pride and accomplishment. It’s a tangible reminder of a thrilling experience in the wild and a beautiful tribute to the animal. However, that trophy doesn’t stay pristine on its own. Cleaning a deer head properly is a crucial process that ensures the lasting beauty and preservation of your prized possession. The quality of this initial cleaning process will significantly impact the longevity and appearance of your mount. This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know to clean a deer head effectively, transforming it from a field-dressed trophy into a stunning display that you can proudly showcase for years to come. We’ll delve into each step, providing insights and tips to help you navigate this fulfilling endeavor.
Preserving a deer head might seem challenging at first, but with the right knowledge and tools, anyone can achieve impressive results. There’s a genuine satisfaction that comes from completing this project yourself, turning a raw piece of nature into a polished piece of art. While there are professional taxidermists available, tackling the cleaning process yourself provides a deeper connection to your hunt and offers a unique opportunity to hone your skills. This article will serve as your trusted companion, helping you to gain that knowledge and a deep understanding of how to take care of your deer head.
Gathering Your Supplies
Before you start cleaning, you need to make sure you have all the necessary tools and supplies readily available. This preparation will save you time and ensure the entire process goes smoothly. Having everything organized at the beginning also minimizes the chance of rushing and making mistakes that could impact the final results.
Essential Tools
Essential tools form the core of the cleaning process. A sharp knife is paramount for skinning and initial cuts. Opt for a skinning knife for optimal control and precision. The next essential piece of equipment is a bone saw or a hacksaw to carefully separate the skull plate from the rest of the head. You’ll also need wire cutters for trimming and removing any remaining pieces of bone or cartilage that may be in the way. Rubber gloves are absolutely essential; they protect your hands from blood, bacteria, and other potential hazards. Always prioritize your safety.
Eye protection, such as goggles or safety glasses, is non-negotiable. You’ll be working with sharp objects, and bone fragments, and the potential for splashes is always there. You will also need an apron or old clothes to prevent your clothing from being stained by blood and other materials. And of course, you need buckets or containers of varying sizes to contain cleaning and degreasing solutions.
Cleaning Materials
In terms of cleaning materials, water is your best friend throughout this process. You’ll need copious amounts of cold water for initial cleaning and hot water for degreasing. Borax is a fantastic degreasing agent, which is often readily available. Alternatively, specialized taxidermy soaps or mild dish soap can be used.
Hydrogen peroxide is indispensable for whitening the skull, transforming the bone and removing any remaining stains. Finally, you’ll also need rubbing alcohol, which can also assist in degreasing, as well as in sanitizing.
Optional Supplies
There are also optional supplies that can be helpful, if you’re looking for more precision. Depending on your preferred method, you might consider scrapers or knives specifically designed for flesh removal. A pressure washer can significantly speed up the cleaning process, especially if you are handling multiple deer heads. And if there are any small holes or imperfections on the skull, taxidermy clay can come in handy for filling those up.
Field Dressing and Initial Preparation: The Foundation of a Great Mount
The quality of your field dressing and initial preparation in the field directly impacts the success of your cleaning efforts down the road. A proper field dressing ensures that you’re removing as much of the organic matter as possible.
Skinning the Deer Head
The skinning process, a crucial step for preserving the hide, begins with several well-placed cuts. Start by making initial cuts from the back of the head, extending towards the antlers. Be cautious and precise with each cut, using a sharp knife to minimize tearing. Then, continue the cuts around the eyes. It is important to maintain the integrity of the eye sockets.
Then comes the delicate process of removing the skin. Carefully work your knife between the skin and the skull, gently separating the two. This requires patience and a steady hand. Be especially mindful of the ears. Cut through the cartilage at the base of the ears.
If you plan on having the head taxidermied, consider salting the hide. This will help in preserving it. Salting involves applying a generous amount of salt to the inner surface of the skin and then rolling it up for a certain period of time.
Lastly, you’ll need to trim the cartilage from the ears. The cartilage helps ensure that the shape of the ears remains intact.
Removing the Skull Plate
With the skin removed, the next step is to separate the skull plate from the antlers. You can do this by making the necessary cuts at the back of the skull plate, using either a bone saw or hacksaw. As you do this, it is important to carefully try and maintain the integrity of the frontal bone where the antlers meet. Try not to damage the antlers in this process.
Once these cuts are made, the skull plate can then be gently removed. Sometimes you may need a little bit of force to get it loose.
Flesh Removal and Skull Cleaning
At this stage, the primary focus is on removing all remaining flesh and organic matter from the skull. There are several methods you can use, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The goal is a completely clean bone surface.
Removing Remaining Flesh
The most direct method involves carefully scraping away any remaining flesh from the skull. Using a combination of a sharp knife and scraping tools, you can gently work away at the meat and tissue. This method can be time-consuming. This task requires patience and attention to detail. Be careful and protect any fragile areas such as the antlers.
Boiling
Boiling is a faster but potentially riskier method. The heat helps loosen the flesh, making it easier to remove. It’s crucial to constantly monitor the skull as excessive heat can cause the bone to crack or the antlers to weaken. Carefully place the skull into water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Do not let it boil vigorously. Remove the skull frequently to scrape away the loosened flesh. Repeat this cycle until the skull is as clean as possible.
Bugging
Bugging is a more natural, but also slower method. Introducing dermestid beetles or allowing the environment to naturally remove remaining flesh is a common practice among experienced cleaners. These beetles are known for their ability to consume the meat and flesh from the bone. You will be required to carefully monitor the progress and remove the beetles after a certain period of time. After their job is done, carefully brush the skull to remove any of the remaining residue.
Remember to avoid over-boiling or damaging the skull. Excessive heat will cause damage.
Degreasing the Skull
Degreasing is often overlooked, but it is essential for long-term preservation. The natural oils within the bone can seep to the surface over time, causing discoloration and a yellowish appearance. The goal is to remove these oils before they cause these problems.
Degreasing Methods
To degrease a deer head, you can use several methods. Soaking the skull in hot water mixed with borax or a degreasing agent is a common method. This soaking can take a long time, requiring many cycles. Changing the water regularly is vital to ensure that you are removing the oils, rather than re-introducing them back. You can also use a special degreasing solution specifically designed for taxidermy. Whatever method you choose, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and prioritize your safety. The length of the degreasing process can vary greatly, sometimes lasting several weeks. The duration depends on the method and the amount of grease within the bone. You can test to determine the effectiveness of your degreasing efforts by submerging the skull in hot water. If you still see oily patches on the water’s surface, it indicates you need to continue the process.
Whitening the Skull
Once the skull is degreased, the next step is to whiten it. The goal is to achieve a bright, clean appearance, which will greatly enhance the presentation of your trophy.
Bleaching with Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful whitening agent. Begin by mixing hydrogen peroxide (3% or higher) with water. You can completely submerge the skull in the mixture, or you can apply it by hand. Allow the skull to soak or be exposed for a while. Be sure to monitor it closely. Over-bleaching can lead to a fragile, brittle bone. Finally, rinse the skull thoroughly with clean water and allow it to dry completely.
Alternative Whitening Methods
There are alternative methods as well, such as using a whitening paste. This can give you more control and is generally considered less harsh than submersion.
Post-Cleaning and Finishing Touches
The final steps involve a careful inspection of your work and finishing touches to elevate your project to professional levels.
Inspection and Touch-Ups
Carefully inspect the skull for any remaining grease, stains, or imperfections. Any remaining grease may require additional degreasing cycles. Addressing any imperfections at this stage will pay off in the long run. You can clean the antlers using specialized cleaners and protect them. This is also the time to decide whether to apply a sealant or varnish to protect the antlers.
Antler Treatment
The next step is the care of the antlers. The goal is to maintain their natural color and luster. You can achieve this by gently cleaning them and applying some type of sealer. After you have finished cleaning the antlers, consider sanding them with some fine-grit sandpaper. This prepares the surface.
Drying and Storage
Allow the cleaned skull to dry completely. Ensure it is stored in a cool, dry place.
Consider Taxidermy
If you are unsure of any of these steps, or you are not confident, it is recommended that you take the cleaned head to a professional taxidermist, who can mount the antlers to a head or other display.
Conclusion
Cleaning a deer head is a rewarding process that allows you to transform a field-dressed trophy into a beautiful piece of art that you can proudly display. By following this step-by-step guide, you will learn how to clean your own deer head. The key to success is patience, preparation, and attention to detail. Take your time, and approach each stage with care and focus. Before you start, make sure you understand and are willing to follow all the steps. Be open to learning and adapting your techniques. Consider that you are engaging in a process that takes time and demands patience. The time you spend on this project will pay off, and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning and lasting trophy. If you have any questions or experiences to share, please leave a comment below. We look forward to hearing from you.
