Velvet Antler Question

[Wildlife 1]

What is a good way to go about preserving them instead of freeze drying them. I am not sure of the best way to go about doing it. I have heard tyou can tan them, or soak them in denatured alcohol . I have not done but a couple of velvet antler mounts and had them freeze dried.

They are late Aug. and Early Sept antlers.

[Matt]

Bob, I always have the early ones freeze dried by Joe Kullis, and do the later hard antlered ones in shop with Antler Tan. There is alot of blood and fluid in the early season ones, but there are alot of guys on here that do them in shop. Antler Tan gives you the directions to softer ones as well. I just don't feel that is enough for really soft ones. I know, I didn't help you did I!(LOL)

[Wildlife 1]

Any info is a help Matt . I have used the Velvet tan before on a small 4 point and small spike set in the past. With no issues but these are a little bigger ones.

 I know that Freeze dried might be the best option. But I was wondering what would be other options for some that are a little later velvet set. I have heard of Denatured alcohol being used.

[George Roof]

I've used most of the snake oils for "tanning velvet" and they tend to be just that - snake oil.  When I hear the word "velvet" the only response is "freeze dry".  If antlers are hard horned, then that's another thing as freeze drying isn't going to do much for that.  If you want the cheap way out, put the antlers in a frost free freezer and leave them for about 6 months (redneck freeze drying at its best - and yes, I've done them that way).  I've saved caribou antlers by injecting about a quart of Touchstone 4in1 into them and spraying them every day for a week.

[Wildlife 1]

I've used most of the snake oils for "tanning velvet" and they tend to be just that - snake oil.  When I hear the word "velvet" the only response is "freeze dry".  If antlers are hard horned, then that's another thing as freeze drying isn't going to do much for that.  If you want the cheap way out, put the antlers in a frost free freezer and leave them for about 6 months (redneck freeze drying at its best - and yes, I've done them that way).  I've saved caribou antlers by injecting about a quart of Touchstone 4in1 into them and spraying them every day for a week.

Thats funny George I have heard that before but with birds. Mount inject them to plump everything up and put in the freeze and forget about them. for a few months. 

I know I should freeze dry them and that maybe what I end up doing with them. but was just looking for some other options / ideas on doing them in house.

[Paul C]

Any info is a help Matt . I have used the Velvet tan before on a small 4 point and small spike set in the past. With no issues but these are a little bigger ones.

 I know that Freeze dried might be the best option. But I was wondering what would be other options for some that are a little later velvet set. I have heard of Denatured alcohol being used.

Why don't you want them freeze dried Bob?  $75 and 3 months is a lot easier than the stress of trying something new that "might" work.

[Edgewater Taxidermy Galen]

I for one freeze dry them all.     I have   frozen dry Machines.  I do them wholesale for taxidermist as well.  as  well  as  Joe  Public  And  yes  you would  be  looking  at  65  to  75   wholesale depending  on  size  and  about  3  mounths  in the  machine.   .

  I  just  thogut I  would  toss  my  Name into  the  hat  as well  .  Please  check out  my  website  and  check  out  some  of  the  racks  I  have  done  ,,,  as  well as  the  rest  of  my  freeze dry  items  If you  get  a  chance.


  Have  a  good  one.


 

 
  Galen Getting
  www.edgewatertaxidermy.com
218-263-7177