I was recently up in the Isle of Arran, Scotland, and was lucky enough to find a big pair of red deer antlers and skull cap. It is pretty much free of any meat and tissue, but stinks as you would expect. If anyone could tell me a good way of ridding the smell and preserving it, I would much appreciate it.
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I would first simmer the skull cap in hot water for about 15 minutes to kill any bactirea left, then air dry. Do not boil. Then remove any remnents of skin or hair by using a wire wheel or dremmil tool,or scrape with a good knife, then wash and scrub the whole thing with soap and water. If the antlers are in smooth shape and have some color left in them, coat with a 50 /50 mix of linseed oil and terpentine, let dry. If they are smooth and faded, you may stain them to put some color back. If they are all white,chalky, and sun bleached, they will take extra work to restore them. Add them to a plaque or leave them as is.
I forgot to proof read these words, skullcap, bacteria, remnants, Dremel Tool and turpentine