Preparing For the Journey
Safety First: Your Wellbeing Is Paramount
The process of cleaning a deer head involves handling potentially hazardous materials. The raw tissues can carry diseases, and the cleaning solutions can be irritating.
Protective Gear: Always wear heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands from cuts and potential pathogens. Eye protection, such as safety glasses or goggles, is crucial to protect your eyes from splashes. A respirator or face mask will protect you from inhaling fumes and dust generated during the process.
Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. If you must work indoors, ensure excellent air circulation.
Sharp Tools: Use caution when using sharp knives and saws. Always cut *away* from your body.
Choosing Your Specimen: The Foundation of a Great Mount
The quality of your final European Mount is directly related to the condition of the deer head you start with.
Condition Matters: Try to select a head that is as fresh as possible. Minimize the time between the harvest and the beginning of the cleaning process. Fresh heads will process more easily.
Proper Handling: After the harvest, handle the deer head with care. Avoid damage to the skull. Keep the head cool, ideally refrigerated, to slow decomposition if you’re not starting the process immediately. Proper field dressing techniques will also help reduce the amount of tissue that needs to be removed.
Avoid Damage: Look for a skull that is intact, with no major cracks or breaks. Damage will be difficult or even impossible to repair.
Gathering Your Essential Supplies: The Tools of the Trade
Having the right equipment will make the entire process significantly easier and more efficient.
Sharp Blades: A sharp knife or a scalpel is essential for skinning and removing soft tissue. Choose a blade that is comfortable and easy to control.
Forceps and Pliers: These tools will help in removing tough pieces of flesh, cartilage, and other tissue.
A Spacious Container: A large bucket or container for boiling or macerating the skull. Make sure it is large enough to fully submerge the deer head.
Cleaning Agents:
Dish soap, a common household item, to help break down grease and fats.
3% Hydrogen peroxide to whiten the skull.
Baking soda, although optional, it can improve the whitening effect.
Brushes: A stiff brush for scrubbing. A toothbrush may also come in handy for removing smaller pieces of tissue and debris.
Protective Equipment: Remember your gloves, goggles, and mask.
A Comfortable Workspace: An area where you can dedicate some time and not be interrupted, possibly with a hose for rinsing and a surface to work on.
Choosing Your Cleaning Method: Deciding on the Best Approach
There are several ways to clean a deer head for a European mount, each with its own pros and cons. Choosing the right method depends on your preferences, the time you have available, and your access to resources.
Boiling Method: The Tried-and-True Approach
Boiling is a common and relatively quick method. However, it requires careful monitoring to avoid damaging the skull.
Maceration Method: A More Gentle Approach
Maceration involves submerging the head in water and allowing bacteria to break down the tissue. It is a slower process, but it’s generally considered gentler on the skull.
Burial Method: A Natural Decomposition Option
Burying the head underground is another option which uses natural decomposition.
Insect Method: Utilizing Nature’s Cleaners
Using flesh-eating insects, like Dermestid beetles, is a meticulous and specialized approach often favored by taxidermists.
This guide focuses on the boiling method and maceration method.
The Cleaning Process: The Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s dive into the core steps of transforming a deer head into a stunning European mount.
Skinning the Head: Exposing the Bone
This initial step requires patience and precision.
Initial Cuts: Begin by making cuts along the back of the antlers and down the back of the neck.
Separating the Skin: Carefully work your knife between the skin and the skull, separating the skin from the bone. This is best done with a dull knife, so as to not damage the skull.
Removing Facial Tissue: Focus on removing as much facial tissue as possible. Use your fingers, pliers, or the edge of your blade, to remove as much muscle, skin and flesh as possible.
The Eyes: Carefully remove the eyes.
The Brain: Remove the brain. This part can be tricky, but the more you remove initially, the less work you will have to do later.
Boiling (or Maceration): Separating Flesh from Bone
Preparing for Boiling: Trim away any remaining large chunks of flesh and muscle. Place the head in your container, ensuring it is completely submerged in water.
Boiling Safely: Gently heat the water to a simmer, avoid boiling vigorously, as this can damage the skull.
Monitoring the Process: Check the head regularly. The tissue should start to loosen and detach from the bone. Remove any tissue as it comes away.
Cleaning Post-Boiling: Once the majority of the tissue is removed, use a brush, pliers, or your hands to remove any remaining tissue. Be careful with delicate areas like the nasal bones.
Preparing for Maceration: After skinning, place the head in a container filled with water, completely submerged. Make sure the antlers are not submerged.
The Waiting Game: Place the container outdoors in a shady area.
Checking for Progress: Inspect the head periodically. As the tissue decomposes, it will loosen and become easier to remove.
Water Changes: Change the water every few days, or more frequently if the water becomes foul-smelling.
Final Cleaning: Once the tissue is completely gone, clean the skull of any remaining bits and debris.
Degreasing the Skull: Removing Grease and Oils
Degreasing is critical for a clean, bright finish.
Why It Matters: Grease left in the skull can leach out over time, causing discoloration and staining.
The Process: Soak the cleaned skull in a solution of warm water and dish soap.
Duration: Allow it to soak for several days or weeks, changing the solution periodically as needed.
Assessing Results: You’ll know the process is complete when the water remains clear.
Whitening the Skull: Brightening the Bone
Whitening gives the skull a clean and attractive appearance.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide: Submerge the degreased skull in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.
Optional Enhancements: Baking soda can be added to the solution to enhance the whitening process.
Monitor Carefully: Check the skull periodically to ensure it doesn’t whiten too much.
Removing The Skull: Remove the skull when it reaches the desired whiteness.
Rinsing and Drying: The Final Preparations
Rinsing: Rinse the skull thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining chemicals.
Drying: Allow the skull to dry completely. Choose a well-ventilated area, and be patient!
Mounting the European Mount: Displaying Your Creation
Choosing a Mounting Style: Consider how you wish to display your European mount. Options include mounting it on the wall, using a wooden plaque or creating a pedestal.
Installation: Follow any instructions provided with your mounting hardware. Ensure that the mount is secure and level.
Finishing Touches: You might also consider adding a coat of a protective sealant to protect the bone.
Conclusion: The Pride of Creation
Cleaning a deer head for a European mount is a rewarding project that combines patience, skill, and appreciation for nature. The final product is more than just a trophy; it is a testament to your dedication and a unique work of art. By following these steps, you can transform a deer head into a stunning European mount. Don’t be afraid to try. This step-by-step guide will help you create your own masterpiece. Take your time, pay attention to detail, and enjoy the process. The satisfaction of creating a European mount from start to finish is a deeply rewarding experience.
