Stag head boiler

AJS_NL

Active Member
Hi there,

I see a lot of topics on the preperation and boiling of roedeer, but not a lot on stag heads.

anyone any idea where to find a nice big boiler that can hold at least 3 heads at a time?
and where to buy?

maybe some suggestions on alternatives?

thanks in advance.
 
For 3 good sized heads at a time you'll need a massive container/boiler and I can't think of anything that would fit the bill!

For single heads a very large thickish aluminium pot on a portable industrial gas ring is what I've used for many years. You should be able to find suitable commercial pots available from Army Surplus suppliers for little money.

The so-called specialist electric trophy boilers are IMO hideously expensive, so a standard electric Burco type unit might be an alternative if you can find the correct size, something like this: https://www.plumbnation.co.uk/site/burco-cygnet-30l-manual-fill-water-boiler-cymfct1030/
 
This may not be practical but you could use an oil barrel cut lengthways 2/3 of the width across and laid supported over a wood/coal fire. Easy to fit 3 heads into but outside space required.
 
Don't know of anything big enough to take three heads at a time, Burco boiler is ideal for one head but quite expensive Bushwear sell them have a look on line for price, I use hot water urns cheaper than a Burco boiler though not quite as robust, can often be found second hand as mine are for not a lot of money, they are fitted with a thermostat that cuts off once they reach boiling point, not ideal for boiling heads when the thermostat is constantly cutting in and out , I have bypassed the thermostats on mine , easily done which gives a constant rolling Boil, hot water urns can be found in either electric or gas (ran from gas cylinder)
 
If red stags are cut as a short nose it's surprisingly easy to get three in a large round pot.

If they are long nose or full skull then thats a different story, having said that, I think that I used to have the perfect stag head boiling vessel, an old ammo tin.

Because of it's rectangular shape you need the minimum amount of water. I cut a notch out of each side for the antlers to rest in which allows the skull to go a little deeper into the box.

Obviously you only get one head at a time in the ammo tin but because of the small volume of water it boils very quickly and efficiently, while one was boiling I would be pressure washing the previous one etc. Also by doing them like this you don't end up with them all boiled and going cold while you are working on them.

I had a simple propane gas ring as the heat source.

Car boot sales are a good place to find large or odd shaped cooking pans.
 
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Hi Guys,

Thank you for all the replies.
I've seen the Burco and alternatives and know there are 30L and 100L boilers. with the prices, the sky is the limit.
I was hoping somebody had a great idea/alternative.

I was thinkin of making a shallow tray, with boiler so I can put 4 cut of heads at the same time in it.

I'm going to test it first at home with roe.

keep you posted. (probably going to take me a year before I have time to do it.)
 
Hi Guys,

Thank you for all the replies.
I've seen the Burco and alternatives and know there are 30L and 100L boilers. with the prices, the sky is the limit.
I was hoping somebody had a great idea/alternative.

I was thinkin of making a shallow tray, with boiler so I can put 4 cut of heads at the same time in it.

I'm going to test it first at home with roe.

keep you posted. (probably going to take me a year before I have time to do it.)[/QUOT

I use a berco it's ideal, it's what my old man used to make home brew in. Not sure if it's big enough for reds though.
A tea erin like you get in snack waggons would do.
 
I use the bottom third of a 47kg gas cylinder and a burner. 3 heads no bother.

Firstly, unscrew the valve on top and fill cylinder up with water then empty.

Secondly, get a good fire going and chuck the cylinder on the fire, this will burn off any remaining gas.

Thirdly, cut the bottom third off the bottom and Voila, a boiler.

And before the PC brigade jump down my throat, I know, the cylinder belongs to the gas supplier but meh.

Burner...
Impact Boiler Burner - Small | Roofing Superstore®

Failing that you can always hope Santa has read your thread...

Single Skin Bitumen Boiler Pot Complete Kit - 10 Gallon (Without Tap) | Roofing Superstore®
 
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View attachment 75493
Hi there,

I see a lot of topics on the preperation and boiling of roedeer, but not a lot on stag heads.

anyone any idea where to find a nice big boiler that can hold at least 3 heads at a time?
and where to buy?

maybe some suggestions on alternatives?

thanks in advance.

Look for a large S/S pot, maybe like those made by Spanish firm LARCOR, they certainly make big enough pots to do three at a time. That, plus an outdoor stove or gas burner is the most cost effective way for saving the money for that elusive Grays of Inverness telescope!

Larcor sell online. Happy cleaning!
 
View attachment 75493

Look for a large S/S pot, maybe like those made by Spanish firm LARCOR, they certainly make big enough pots to do three at a time. That, plus an outdoor stove or gas burner is the most cost effective way for saving the money for that elusive Grays of Inverness telescope!

Larcor sell online. Happy cleaning!

Thank you for the advise.
This is also what I think is best and simplest.

I see the picture of the grays.

Are you selling?
 
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