Atlas joint.

[Point17]

Looking for advice as to the best way to remove the head off a red stag. Some say its straightforward, so I must be doing something wrong!

 

[Tim.243]

Looking for advice as to the best way to remove the head off a red stag. Some say its straightforward, so I must be doing something wrong!

Cut from underneath, ideal is off the edge of a tailgate as the weight will help no end

 

[camodog]

This ....

 

[takbok]

Feel behind the jaws and insert the knife behind jaws and under ear cutting outwards through the skin (assuming you've already slit up the throat to free oesophagus) Bend head backwards now while cutting further towards atlas joint and around under ears. Poke the knife into the atlas joint through spinal cord to help free it further while keeping pressure back on head and removing head cleanly.

Absolutely no need twist head round and round while trying to remove.

 

[VSS]

Put your bullet in the right place and there won't be much atlas joint left to cut through.....

 

[farrieral]

All about opening the joint up and cutting the collateral ligaments, no twisting and wrenching needed then.

The chap below has a video somewhere with some good pointers on removing heads. If they have big head gear post #4 works well!

https://youtube.com/@daviddunneirishhunter5473?si=9v2hRwOYRZOEVQ4p

 

[HonestJohn]

True teuchters chew the head off with bare teeth. No need for a knife

 

[sauer]

I know a teuchter woman with no teeth that could do it .... .
Doesn't bite but gives a nasty sook!

 

[WalkedUp]

I use the base of the ears, grip tight with the knife pressed against the ears. Cut into the flesh and expose the joint. Unfortunately you need to just do it to learn, not with an expensive knife. In the side skull image you can see the proximity of the ear hole to the back of the skull. Apologies that it is such a scrappy skull - it is the only full red skull I have to hand here.

 

[Paul 600]

Here’s a good video that explains it well.

 

[wytonpjs]

With due acknowledgment to Peter Green

 

[devon deer stalker]

And another clip

 

[rem284]

Clean bit of tarmac, next to a drain. Mmm, I would not process anything on the ground. I'm pleased he's wearing gloves though