In my previous question concerning handling of a possible Boone and Crockett cougar skull I was advised to do nothing to it until it is scored. Could you be more specific? Do I leave all the meat on the skull or should it be removed? Do I put it in the freezer to prevent rotting until scored? Thank you for any response.
Return to Gamehead Taxidermy Category Menu
I'd put it in the freezer unless B&C rules forbid that. You will have to check with them on this. I know that skulls and antlers have to "dry" for like 60 days before they can be considered for scoring.
If you freeze the skull, the 60 day drying period starts after you bring it out and thaw it.If you freeze it after 50 days,the 60 day drying period starts over after you thaw it.The best thing to do is to sit down,take your time,and manually clean as much flesh as you can with a sharp knife or scalpel.After doing that,store it in a cool,dog-free place like a garage or basement.Get it scored as soon as the 60 days is up and then get it professionally bug cleaned or macerated.There should be plenty of advice on those places in the archives.Remember that the measurements will be taken at the widest part of the cheek bones and the length of the skull-front to back.These areas will have to be free of meat etc. in order to get the measurement.Be careful not to remove any bone!Congatulations.It takes a heck of a cat to get close to B+C.