prep
Posted before but copied now. definately not for the squeamish
I have recorded in pics how I go about a head prep for roe. Not saying its perfect but I hope it helps. (it made doing these 2 more interesting for me)
First I take the head out of the freezer 5 or 6 hours before commencing operations. In this case I had 2 to do, I prefer to try and do a couple at once cos its a grotty job.
I keep all my buck heads if I can, its good for records and memories and I personally think its better than chucking them away.
I try to make sure I've got the kit together first
-wood saw - just an ordinary one but works well, especially through a semi frozen head
-pan- make sure its big enough and that you dont want to use it for anything else again
-knives- a slender knife is an advantage, and make sure its sharp
-latex gloves - unless you want brains and snot under your nails
-gas campig stove- point here is that you really dont want to be boiling it out in the house, and your missus really, really wont
- kitchen roll - for tidying up
- soda crystals - to add to the water for boiling as they aid degreasing
- hydrogen peroxide - for bleaching and is actually much better than bleach (domestos etc)
-long nosed pliers - helps for pulling tricky skin off
- cotton wool pads - nicked em from the missus and they are excellent pulled apart and placed on the skull
- syringe- really helps getting the peroxide on without risking getting it on the antlers
Now you have to decide on the cut, bear in mind the shorter the cut then the easier the cleaning will be. Try to make sure that you cut through the brain cavity unless you want a full skull mount as its a pig to clean without decent access. I include some pictures of mounts I have to give an idea.
The last one is super lazy but lets you keep the antlers as a record (just dowelled to a board)
The next pic shows the line of the cut I decided on
Next remove the ears, tight to the skull (at all times try not to cut or scar the skull)
Now make the cut. I do this with all skin etc still on, it means theres less skinning etc in the end.
Now we're ready for skinning. I find it much easier from the nose up.
It gets pretty tricky around the coronets/pedicles so I usually trim round them and tackle them seperately. Put the slender knife through at the sides and at the base
Now we can pull the skin out with the pliers
Clean off as much meat as possible from the outside of the skull it will help later.
So far so good
Now you have to find a way of getting the head in the pan so you can submerge all but the coronets and antlers. I use a mesh wedge and screw it to the base of the head. I know others suspend them, tie them etc. Whatever you do make sure its stable cos if you end up boiling the antlers it will knacker your trophy.
Now fill up the pan to the base of the coronets and add the crystals. Boil for 45 mins or so keeping the water topped up. I fill the pan with boiling water from the kettle as it saves time with the stove. The heads being frozen doesnt help for time either. You can tell its ready when the meat looks cooked
Now comes the really grotty bit. I use a pressure washer to clean the whole lot up. I have even done this at a public car wash but I did hide myself away behind my vehicle and it was dark
Try not to blast the antlers just the skull. The dogs like to clean up
Oh and make sure you are not wearing your best clothes and keep your mouth shut!! It really is not nice if you get splash back in your mouth/up your nose!!
Once done have another quick clean round with a sharp knife.
Now cover with cotton wool, including stuffing the eye sockets. I then use a syringe to soak the cotton wool with peroxide and leave over night
Now we need to rinse it all and leave to dry. I find outside in the wind helps as long as it doesnt rain or birds poo on your trophy (it has happened
)
And finally, if you so wish, mount it on a shield and find it some house room. All mine are in a stable I have all of my shooting gear in.
And thats it folks. Hope some of you find it useful and that all of you excuse my self indulgence but it gave me something to do whilst it rains!!