European-style antler/skull preservation is easy, and doesn't take a lot of time. Follow these simple instructions to enhance the
appeal of the antlers from your next buck.
1. Remove the buck's head from the carcass and skin away as much hide and flesh as possible.
2. Place the head in a large pot of boiling water. Place enough water in the pot to cover the skull, but be careful not to immerse
the antler bases in the water. It will take between two and three hours to boil the remains off the skull. Monitor closely, as parts of
the skull will become soft and could detach from the skull if boiled too long.
NOTE: The antlers can sustain damage if they are immersed in water or even rested on the side of the pot during boiling. To help
keep grease from sticking to the skull, add a small amount of baking soda to the water.
3. Remove the skull from the water after most of the remains have fallen off. Use needle-nose pliers or tweezers to remove small
bones and gristle from inside the brain and nasal cavities.
You can use a small brush to remove other debris from the skull.
There are several ways to bleach skulls. Bleach and alcohol can permanently discolor antlers, so be sure to proceed with caution.
One method of bleaching skulls is to place 1 part bleach and 3 parts water in a pan. Dip the skull into the solution and let stand
for a few minutes. Next remove the skull and let it dry.
It might be necessary to repeat this procedure several times to acquire the desired color.
Another bleaching method involves hydrogen peroxide. First soak a cheesecloth in hydrogen peroxide and wrap it around the
deer's skull.
Set the wrapped skull in direct sunlight and let it dry for several hours.
Bleached skulls can be mounted to wood plaques, or they can be displayed "as is" for reminders of a special hunt.
