Submitted by Jeff on 5/26/99. ( jeferee@aol.com )
I have some old deer horns with the skull cap attatched. I want to make horn mounts out of these but the hair, scalp and some dried up meat is on them. It is very difficult for me to get off! Is there an easy way to get the skull cap cleaned so that i can place it in the antler manikin? Do I soak them in something ?
Thanks,
Jeff
Return to Beginners Category Menu
This response submitted by George Roof on 5/26/99. ( georoof@aol.com )
Jeff,
When I get those kind of antlers, I take a 1/4 inch cabinet chisel and a rawhide mallet. I tear off the hide (actually, once you get it started, it usually comes pretty easily). Then I cut the skull plate and mount as usual. I guess you could boil them to soften them up, but I wouldn't advise doing it in the house.
This response submitted by Mike B on 5/27/99. ( mbush@accn.org )
Jeff I soak the skull plate in water for a couple of hours the hide usually peels of very easy with a pair of pliers.
This response submitted by Dan R. on 5/27/99. ( )
I've had this problem many times but it's not that hard.
Take a sharp knife and split the hide, going between the
skull and the hide, from the front to each antler. Now
with either heavy needle nose pliers or small vise grips
grab a corner of hide and roll the pliers. The hide will
roll around the pliers. Don't loose your grip and the hide
will come right off. Now get another corner of hide and
do the same thing. It's not easy but it works.
Return to Beginners Category Menu