Submitted by Eric on 9/9/99. ( elkhunt@in-tch.com ) 208.136.139.100
I am using beetles to clean an antelope skull and wondered if I should
remove the horns or not? I wasn't sure if the beetles will do anything
to the horns or not. If I do need to remove them, then how do I go
about removing them? Thanks for the help, Eric.
Return to Beginners Category Menu
This response submitted by George Roof on 9/9/99. ( georoof@aol.com ) 152.163.189.3
Eric,
I hope that I'm assuming correctly that you are referring to pronghorn antelope. Since their horns are not really horn, but rather hair, it would seem wise to remove the cases before you turn on the bugs. Pronghorn cases remove quite easily. Let them set in the corner of your shop for a week or so. With a scalpel, cut the membrane at the base and twist the horn gently clockwise/counter clockwise while pulling on it. Be careful not to hurt yourself, they come off very easily. Then pour dry preservative down inside to dry up the funk that's left and turn the skull over to the bugs.
Return to Beginners Category Menu