Do It Yourself: European Skull Mount
Boiling a whitetail skull to clean it for a European mount is a time-honored tradition, but it requires care to avoid damaging the skull. Here are some tips to get it just right:
1. Prep the Skull
Remove as much flesh as possible: Before boiling, trim off all the skin, muscle, and tissue with a sharp knife. This reduces the time needed in the water and helps prevent the skull from becoming greasy.
Protect the Antlers: Wrap the base of the antlers with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to protect them from discoloration.
2. Boil, Don’t Cook
Low and Slow: Fill a large pot with enough water to submerge the skull but avoid submerging the antlers. (If you don’t have a large enough tub, check out “The Buck Boiler”.) Bring the water to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Boiling too vigorously can damage the bone.
Use Additives: Add a small amount of dish soap or baking soda to help break down the fats and tissues. Just be cautious—too much can make the skull brittle.
This is the tub I use to boil my skulls.
3. Check Regularly
Monitor the Progress: After about 30 minutes, start checking the skull. Use a metal hook or tongs to lift it out and see if the flesh is soft and can be removed easily.
Gentle Cleaning: Use a pressure washer or a toothbrush to remove remaining tissue. Be gentle, especially around delicate areas like the nose and eye sockets.
4. Degreasing
Degrease the Skull: After boiling, soak the skull in a degreasing solution—typically a mix of water and dish soap—for a few days to a week. This step is crucial to prevent the skull from yellowing over time.
5. Bleaching
Whiten the Skull: Once clean and degreased, whiten the skull by brushing on a paste of hydrogen peroxide (20-30 volume) and baking soda. Avoid using household bleach, as it can weaken the bone.
Let It Sit: Wrap the skull in plastic wrap and leave it for 24 hours. Then, rinse thoroughly and let it dry.
6. Finishing Touches
Seal the Skull: After drying, you can seal the skull with a matte clear coat to protect it and give it a slight sheen. This step is optional but recommended for a long-lasting mount.
Display: Once dry and sealed, mount your skull on a plaque or directly onto the wall. If you need inspiration to display your skull here are my suggestions:
Following these steps will help ensure your whitetail skull looks clean and professional, ready to be proudly displayed.
