Red Antler With Only Skull Cap: Prep Help

[s1mon]

Hi all,

Took my first red highland stag a few weeks ago and have the antlers complete with skull cap that I need to prepare. When I say skull cap, it’s not a full skull only the top half which adjoins the two antlers, down to the top of the nose.

Ive been told I should boil the skull leaving the antlers out of the water, but I don’t know for how long or what I should do then? I have also read about using peroxide, is this after the boiling?


Any guidance would be great, as I would hate to get it wrong!


thanks

simon

 

[NOTSHARP]

This guy explains things quite well, although some of the work on your trophy has already been done.







Steve.

 

[lochty]

Boil for about 20 to 25 mins. You will find the membrane over the nose will curl, and the gelatinous bit round the pedicles may need a cut to help it off. The easiest way to clean it is with a pressure washer, but....wear waterproof trousers as you will get soaked. Peroxide when wet, give a liberal coating then leave somewhere warm to dry for a couple of days. Beside the central heating boiler is ideal if you are allowed mount on a shield and toast with a large dram every now and again. And repeat.....

 

[basil]

Hi all,

Took my first red highland stag a few weeks ago and have the antlers complete with skull cap that I need to prepare. When I say skull cap, it’s not a full skull only the top half which adjoins the two antlers, down to the top of the nose.

Ive been told I should boil the skull leaving the antlers out of the water, but I don’t know for how long or what I should do then? I have also read about using peroxide, is this after the boiling?


Any guidance would be great, as I would hate to get it wrong!


thanks

simon View attachment 101428

PM our Malcolm. (Sikamalc) I`m sure he`ll give you some sound advise.

 

[s1mon]

Thanks for the great advice and offers of help. I boiled for 25mins, jet washed and used cream peroxide (12%) on the wet skull. It’s now been drying for about 24hrs and has whitened up nicely.

thanks again

Simon

 

[Woodsmoke]

Any photos of the finished article? That's going to look great on the wall! Cracking set

 

[s1mon]

Still needs mounting but here it is:

 

[Woodsmoke]

That looks superb! Great job

 

[lochty]

Thanks for the great advice and offers of help. I boiled for 25mins, jet washed and used cream peroxide (12%) on the wet skull. It’s now been drying for about 24hrs and has whitened up nicely.

thanks again

Simon

Way to go. I find pressure washing them makes all the difference. There will still be a few small bits of grisle, but they will scrape off once the peroxide has worked for 24 hours or so. ATB Dave