Preparing the Path to a Pristine Skull
Field Dressing and Initial Cleaning
The foundation of a successfully preserved skull begins long before the head finds its way into the boiling pot. The initial steps taken in the field and the careful attention given to the head immediately following harvest are crucial for a final product that is free of odor and rot.
The first and most critical step after a successful hunt is proper field dressing. This process involves removing the internal organs to prevent decomposition. Time is of the essence, particularly in warmer weather. The quicker the field dressing is performed, the less likely bacteria will multiply, leading to less odor and less damage to the skull.
Following field dressing, it’s advantageous to remove as much of the meat and tissue from the head as possible. This includes removing the eyes, the tongue, and any other exposed fleshy areas. This initial cleaning reduces the amount of organic material that will be exposed to the boiling process, helping you get a better finished product. Leaving the skull exposed to the air, especially in warmer climates, can also allow flies to lay eggs, causing complications and unnecessary cleanup later.
Choosing to boil a deer head is a preservation method that has its own benefits and considerations. Other methods, such as maceration or using dermestid beetles, exist. The boiling method is more accessible and faster than other methods, making it a popular choice for many.
Gathering Your Tools and Materials
Essential Equipment
Before beginning, you need to ensure you have everything necessary. This preparation streamlines the process and ensures you’re fully prepared to handle the delicate task.
First, you’ll need a large pot. The size of the pot must be large enough to fully submerge the deer head. A large stockpot, a turkey fryer, or even a converted metal drum may work. Ensure it is sturdy and suitable for high heat. Measure your pot to ensure that the deer head will fit.
Water is the primary element. Have a sufficient quantity on hand to cover the entire deer head completely. You’ll need enough to fully submerge the head, and may require more throughout the process, as water will evaporate.
Washing soda, or sodium carbonate, is an optional but highly recommended addition. It helps to break down grease and tissue, making the cleaning process more effective and reducing the required boiling time. Baking soda is a similar but less powerful option that may also be used. These agents can also assist in the removal of stubborn grease.
Gloves are essential, and eye protection is a must. The boiling process involves high heat, and the potential for splashing means both safety measures are necessary. Consider using heavy-duty rubber gloves, as thinner gloves may not withstand the heat. Safety glasses are also a minimum requirement.
Tongs, hooks, or other implements are needed for handling the deer head. These will assist in lifting the head from the hot water and maneuvering it during the cleaning process. Long tongs will keep your hands safely away from the heat.
A variety of tools will aid in removing remaining meat and tissue. A scrub brush, a wire brush, a sharp knife, and possibly a pair of pliers are helpful. These tools will help you reach into tight spaces and carefully remove any stubborn remnants of meat.
Prioritizing Safety Above All Else
Safety First
The process of boiling a deer head involves working with high temperatures and potentially hazardous materials, so safety must be the top priority.
Always wear gloves and eye protection. The boiling water presents a significant burn hazard, and splashes can cause serious injury. Additionally, as you work to remove meat, tissue, and grease, you’ll be dealing with bacteria, so hand protection is essential.
Work in a well-ventilated area. Boiling releases steam and potentially unpleasant odors. Outdoors is ideal, but if you must work indoors, open windows and use a fan to circulate the air.
Handle hot water and the deer head with extreme caution. Use tongs or other tools to lift the head from the water, and be very careful when manipulating the head and removing tissues and grease from the skull.
Be aware of sharp tools and bone fragments. The skull itself can have sharp edges, and knives and other tools used in the cleaning process present a cutting hazard. Work slowly and deliberately to avoid injury.
Taking the Plunge: The Boiling Procedure
The Boiling Process
Now you are ready to begin the actual process of boiling your deer head. It is a careful balance of time and observation, crucial to achieving a beautiful and well-preserved skull.
First, prepare the water. Fill your pot with water, ensuring there is enough to fully submerge the head. Add washing soda or a degreasing agent, following the instructions on the product label. This addition will improve the process by breaking down fats and tissues.
Bring the water to a slow boil. Avoid a vigorous, rolling boil, which can damage the delicate bone structure. A gentle simmer is best, ensuring that the water maintains a consistent temperature.
Now, it’s time to put the head in the boiling water. Carefully lower the deer head into the boiling water, ensuring it is completely submerged.
How long you boil the deer head is the crucial question, and there is no single answer. The time varies depending on the size of the head, its age, and the amount of existing tissue. As a general guideline, boiling times can range from several hours to a full day, but this range should only serve as a guide.
Monitoring is the key to success. Check the head periodically. Look for signs that the meat is starting to pull away from the bone. The cartilage, which connects the individual bones, should start to loosen. You can also gently probe around the base of the skull and along the jawline, pushing on the tissue to see if it’s easily separating from the bone. This observation is more important than timing.
It is critical to avoid over-boiling. Over-boiling weakens the bone, causes teeth to loosen and fall out, and can damage the overall integrity of the skull.
As soon as the meat and tissue are easily separated from the bone, you should remove the head. Take the head out and carefully set it aside to cool, either in a bucket of cold water or by allowing it to cool in the open air.
Cleaning and Refining the Skull
Removing Tissue and Grease
Once the head has cooled, it’s time to remove the remaining tissue and grease. This will reveal the clean white bone underneath.
Now, use your tools to remove any remaining meat and tissue. A sharp knife can carefully be used to scrape away the remaining tissue. A wire brush may be used to help remove tissue from the bone. Pay attention to difficult-to-reach areas like the nasal cavity and inside the ear canals. Pliers can be used to carefully pull out the remaining meat and cartilage.
Grease is the enemy of a beautiful skull. It can cause discoloration and a yellowish appearance. It is imperative to remove the grease.
A popular method is to soak the skull in a solution of warm water and washing soda. Soak the skull for several days, changing the water and washing soda solution daily. This prolonged soaking helps to dissolve and remove the grease trapped in the bone. You can adjust the length of the soaking period based on the perceived amount of grease in the skull.
Optional whitening can be done to enhance the overall look of your finished skull. This process is primarily cosmetic, and is a matter of personal preference.
Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Be careful and work in a well-ventilated area.
After you are happy with the whitening and the grease has been removed, perform a final cleaning and drying. Rinse the skull thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining cleaning agents. Allow the skull to dry completely in a well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight. You may use a fan to speed up the drying process.
Common Obstacles and How to Overcome Them
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Throughout the process, you may encounter some problems. Here’s how to deal with them:
Over-boiling is a common mistake. If you notice that the bones are starting to crumble or the teeth are falling out, you have over-boiled. There is no remedy for this, but avoid this by frequent checking.
Uneven cooking can happen if some parts of the head cook more than others. Consider rotating the head during the boiling process.
Stubborn grease can be a problem. If you notice persistent yellowing or a greasy feel, repeat the degreasing process.
Teeth falling out can be frustrating. Carefully handle the skull during the cleaning process. If a tooth is loose, you can remove it or you can apply glue.
Lingering odors can occur if the head wasn’t cleaned properly. Ensure the skull is fully degreased and rinsed.
Wrapping Up the Process
Final Thoughts
Boiling a deer head is a rewarding process that yields a unique and beautiful trophy. By following these steps and paying close attention to detail, you can successfully clean and preserve a deer skull, ensuring it remains a testament to your hunting skills for years to come. Remember that patience and care are key.
Now that you have completed the process, you can proudly display your trophy. The cleaned skull can be mounted on a plaque, displayed on a table, or incorporated into a larger display.
Take the time to enjoy your work and the product of a well-done preservation.
