Cleaning a deer head properly is crucial for preserving it and ensuring a high-quality taxidermy mount. This process requires careful attention to detail and the right tools. Failing to clean it thoroughly can lead to unpleasant odors, insect infestations, and ultimately, ruin the final product. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough of how to clean a deer head, addressing various methods and considerations.
Preparing the Deer Head for Cleaning
Before you begin the cleaning process, you need to properly prepare the deer head. This involves:
Removing the Hide
This is often the most challenging part. You'll need sharp tools like a scalpel or skinning knife to carefully remove the hide from the skull, being mindful not to damage the underlying tissue or antlers.
- Start at the nose: Carefully cut around the nostrils and lips, working your way back towards the ears.
- Work your way down the neck: Make sure to separate the hide from the muscle and bone as you go. This is where a sharp knife is essential for clean cuts.
- Carefully remove the ears: These are delicate, so take your time.
- Clean the skull: Once the hide is removed, use a scraper to remove any remaining bits of tissue and fat from the skull.
Many experienced hunters and taxidermists prefer to leave the skull cap attached during the initial cleaning process. This offers added stability and reduces the risk of damaging delicate bone structures.
Assessing the Condition of the Skull
Once the hide is off, assess the skull for any damage or signs of decay. This will inform your cleaning strategy. Look for:
- Signs of decay: A foul odor or soft, spongy bone are indicative of decay.
- Insect infestation: Check for the presence of insects, larvae, or eggs.
- Damage: Examine for cracks, fractures, or other damage.
Cleaning Methods for Deer Heads
Several methods exist for cleaning a deer head, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
The Maceration Method
This is a traditional method involving soaking the skull in water to allow the remaining flesh and tissue to decompose naturally.
- Submerge the skull: Place the skull in a container filled with water, ensuring it's fully submerged. Change the water regularly (every 2-3 days) to prevent bacterial growth and foul odors.
- Monitor the process: This can take several weeks, depending on the temperature and the amount of remaining tissue.
- Remove remaining tissue: Once the majority of the flesh has decomposed, carefully remove any remaining tissue with a scraper or other suitable tool.
Pros: Relatively simple and requires minimal specialized equipment.
Cons: Time-consuming and can result in a foul odor. Also, it's crucial to use appropriate safety measures to prevent bacterial contamination.
The Boiling Method
This is a faster method that involves boiling the skull to loosen and remove the remaining tissue.
- Boil the skull: Place the skull in a large pot of boiling water. Use a metal mesh basket to prevent the skull from touching the bottom of the pot and cracking.
- Simmer, don't boil: Maintain a simmering temperature to avoid damaging the skull.
- Remove and clean: Once the tissue is softened, remove the skull and carefully scrape away the remaining tissue.
Pros: Faster than maceration.
Cons: Requires careful monitoring to prevent damage to the skull. The heat can also damage the antlers if not handled correctly. It also carries the risk of spreading disease if not cleaned up properly.
The Beetles Method (Dermestid Beetles)
This method uses dermestid beetles to consume the remaining flesh and tissue, leaving a clean skull.
- Use a colony: This requires a colony of dermestid beetles, which are specialized insects that feed on organic matter.
- Proper containment: Place the skull in a secure container with the beetles. The beetles will consume the remaining tissue, leaving a clean skull behind.
Pros: Extremely effective and leaves a very clean skull.
Cons: Requires obtaining and maintaining a colony of dermestid beetles, and this method needs proper containment for safety and pest management.
Cleaning and Bleaching
After the chosen cleaning method, it's time to clean and bleach the skull.
- Remove all remaining tissue: Ensure that every bit of flesh, fat, and cartilage has been thoroughly removed.
- Use a degreaser: Use a degreasing agent to remove any remaining grease and oil. There are specialized taxidermy degreasers, or you can use a common household degreaser following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Bleach (Optional): For a whiter skull, you can use a bleach solution. Follow the instructions carefully and use appropriate safety measures.
After Cleaning: Preservation and Mounting
Once the skull is clean and dry, you can decide on further treatment.
- Sealing: Applying a sealant can help protect the skull from moisture and damage.
- Display: The skull can be displayed as is or mounted as part of a taxidermy mount. A professional taxidermist can help with the mounting process.
Remember, proper cleaning and preservation are essential for a long-lasting and impressive deer head mount. Following these steps carefully will ensure a successful project. Always prioritize safety and use appropriate protective equipment throughout the entire process.