I have recently obtained several horns from the African Greater Kudu, an antelope species. The horns are intended for use by Boy Scout groups as signalling horns. Some of the horns have quite a strong odor.
I am looking for advice on the best way to eliminate the odor with out damaging the horns and/or losing their natural color. I have read about some commercial products which claim to be effective for this use.
I would appreciate any advice on odor elimination techniques and these commercial products.
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Dan,
I've only ever done one antelope, but from what it sounds like the horns were never removed from the cores and cleaned.
Inside the horn is a core with tissue that is probably rotten. That's wher the odor is coming from. I'm sure some of the experts will give you some details. You will probably have to boil the horns off of the cores and clean them, borax them and reattach them.
Eric
I have used this on pronghorn when they smell, with good results. I fill them with hydrogen peroxide and let them sit for an hour. Dump out the peroxide and drain the horns until dry, then I fill with borax and let the sit until I was ready to use them. Your kudu are considerably larger so the "fill" may not be totally practical. If the cores are stll in them you will have to remove them first, but it sounds like you have only the horn sheath. I have never had a problem with odor in anything from Africa as they go through a lot before they get here. I checked a couple sets that I have on hand and other than a slight smell there is nothing offensive. If your odor is only slight,it might just be the nature of the material.