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Here is where I am at ??? (pics)

Discussion in 'Skulls and Skeletons' started by wisconsinteacher, Jan 20, 2010.

  1. Jan 20, 2010 #1
    wisconsinteacher

    wisconsinteacher Member

    102
    0
    Here is where I am with my bear skull. About half of the teeth are out and the others are loose. I have had it cleaned by bugs and now I have it in water with dawn and then in a bucket with a fish tank heater. My question is am I doning things right? About how much longer? Should I try to pull the teeth with a tool? Should I add anything else to the water? I have ammonia if need be. Thanks for looking.

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  3. Jan 20, 2010 #2
    MR.Ed

    MR.Ed New Member

    486
    1
    Waterloo,NY
    I would add ammonia to the degreasing water. The teeth will fall out on their own so I wouldn't mess with them.
     

  5. Jan 20, 2010 #3
    RDMARTIN53

    RDMARTIN53 Active Member

    3,399
    14
    NW MONTANA
    Oh....Teacher, you need to do some homework. LOL
    The search button....top left will give you all the research you need. Type in "degreasing bear skulls".

    You are on the right track though.
     
  6. Jan 20, 2010 #4
    wisconsinteacher

    wisconsinteacher Member

    102
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    RD I have been reading and feel that I am doing the right thing. I just wanted to post pictures to make sure. From what I read, I need to use what I am doing for a few months, then go to straight acetone for a month or two.
     
  7. Jan 20, 2010 #5
    buckhunting101

    buckhunting101 Hides N Stuff Taxidermy

    1,829
    1
    West Virginia
    Acetone or ammonia works.Make sure to go back to dawn and water to then remove the ammonia or acetone.It will also help get that last bit of grease out.
     
  8. Jan 20, 2010 #6
    WhiteSkullz

    WhiteSkullz New Member

    206
    1
    western PA
    looks like a pretty nice sized bear... I am just starting a big PA bear and after a week in the degreasing tub its still darker then what you have... It will take time - but it will be worth it in the end. I just also finsihed my first black a customer shot on a spring hunt in maine.. turned out awesome... your on the right track with it....
     
  9. Jan 21, 2010 #7
    benjhind

    benjhind New Member

    438
    1
    Ontario, Canada
    Hey RD - in that 2-4 weeks in ammonia, are you changing out the ammonia at all, or just letting it sit? When you go for the next run in ammonia, are you re-using the old stuff or swapping it out for new?

    I'm using ammonia for the first time and just trying to get a feel for when it needs to be changed.
     
  10. Jan 21, 2010 #8
    wisconsinteacher

    wisconsinteacher Member

    102
    0
    I shot this bear in Sept. It was a 260# sow. I shot her with my bow the first night of the season. This was my first time hunting and my second year running a bait site. I have not measured it yet. I am going to wait until it is finished. My dad got a 276# the year before on a different bait. We really enjoy bear hunting. I added some ammonia to the water. I will get some more at the store and then go straight ammonia for a month.
     
  11. Jan 21, 2010 #9
    wisconsinteacher

    wisconsinteacher Member

    102
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    I did not use a saw. The taxidermist doing the rug cut it off into the neck and I used a knife to remove the spine. I have the lower jaw. It was in a different bag at the time of the picture. I don't think it will go P&Y. If it would, it would be the second female ever in WI to make the book I believe. I will look at the Ace brand.
     
  12. Jan 22, 2010 #10
    Kurt27

    Kurt27 Member

    192
    1
    pennsylvania
    I wouldnt go spending a bunch of money on acetone unless you already have some laying around. After you have degreased for a week or so, put it in your peroxide for a couple days and you will be amazed at what it looks like when you pull it out! The peroxide really helps get the blood out of the bone and thats what the purplish color is you have. I have been using a hot plate and a large pot after my skulls come out of the beetles. I get the water close to simmering but not quite and i keep taking it out, hitting it with the air hose then right back into the hot water like Michale P's somewhat. I have cut my degreasing time in half and i have huge amounts of grease stuck to the side of my pot when the water cools.
     
  13. Jan 22, 2010 #11
    wisconsinteacher

    wisconsinteacher Member

    102
    0
    Can I put it in peroxide to see what happens then if it needs more degreasing go back to ammonia, or does that hurt the skull?
     
  14. Jan 22, 2010 #12
    bulldog4949

    bulldog4949 "Mounting your Memories"

    5,473
    4
    TEXAS
    Nope won't hurt at all.
     
  15. Jan 22, 2010 #13
    Kurt27

    Kurt27 Member

    192
    1
    pennsylvania
    Thats what i was recommending - switch back and forth a couple times and you'll be amazed at the difference.