My husband killed a black bear with a bow. We got the skull back from the taxidermist and he is in the process of an initial cleaning. We have read a great deal on the net about the different methods of cleaning. We see frequent comments about shrinkage, and are wondering how much a bear skull may shrink, depending on the cleaning method used. At present, the skull measures about 19", and we understand 18" will get it in Pope and Young. He would be tickled pink to get this in P/Y and doesn't want to do anything that would mess that up. Thanks
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Becky, Don't boil the skull is the main thing. The other methods mentioned in the archives all will yield a dry clean skull, choose the way that suits you best. Pope and Young requires a natural dry of 60 days prior to measuring and all skulls do shrink some whatever way you clean them. Shrinkage is not going to be too alarming- Aaron H.
Cut off the meat, allow it to air dry for sixty days, get it measured and then have the skull processed. As for which method, I have MY preferences, but thats a whole 'nother story.
send the skull to a beetle cleaning business. Look them up in the archives. No shrinkage due to this process. Just make sure that you ask that the skull not be bleached after cleaning but returned to you immediately afterwards. You can bleach the skull white yourself. After officially measuring, immerse skull in a Hydrogen Peroxide (h202) solution. To do this place skull in a plastic bucket/container and completely cover/immerse with the H202. You can buy this H202 at a drug store, it usually comes in pint and quart size bottles. Don't remove the skull until it is white. After removal, wearing gloves and eye protection of course, immerse in hot tap water until it cools down. You will notice a scum (fat) raise to the surface, place a few drops of DAWN detergent on the surface and the grease will part...remove the skull and repeat this hot water process until the grease doesn't show on the surface of the water. Dry for about a week, then seal with a clear spray silicone sealer.
TA DA.........its done and with no recognizable shrinkage.
I agree with most of what's already been said. First if it actually measures 19 inches now you almost certainly will not lose 1 inch in shrinkage. Although I do literally hundreds of bear skulls, I've found that most individuals get a much larger measurement with skulls that are not completely cleaned, then what the final score will be. Aaron said don't boil & that is absolutely true. I'm pretty sure I know what Bill's method of cleaning is, but he's not saying & neither will I. ( how's it goin Bill? good I hope). I also agree that having the skull cleaned with beetles & returned without whitening is the best way to go. Bar none! However, I don't feel that department store ( 3% peroxide is the best way to go ). I use 35% tech grade, which is hard to find in less than 55 gal drums.Also if you do not de-grease before whitening you will be disapointed down the road with grease bleeding back thru. If you want a little more info on peroxide e-mail me. Good luck & cogratulations on a very nice bear.
Steve
They won't sell me the tech grade 35%, I don't have a buisness license. So I've been using the 3% I get from the grocery/pharmacy. It takes longer, but it sure works.
I just did mine, simmered in sal soda ( not boil, 200 degree water) Then degreased with dawn but still had grease. I soaked the skull in acetone for 10 days. I gallon at home depot is about $7. Absolutely zero grease or yellowing after the acetone! Then soaked in a 50/50 mixure 3% peroxide/water mixture overnight. Set in the sun on a piece of alum foil for 3-4 days. Bone white, grease free skull is the result. I don't use sealers, I think they make the skull look waxy. My skull after 60 days lost 2/16". He definately won't lose a full inch no matter what method of cleaning he uses.
I really do appreciate the responses.