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Meat Drying Out

Discussion in 'Skulls and Skeletons' started by 406Beetles, Nov 24, 2018.

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  1. Nov 24, 2018 #1
    406Beetles

    406Beetles New Member

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    I have a strong colony of dermestid beetles that normally take 24 to 48 hours to clean a deer skull. During this time of year though they are well fed. I have the issue of the meat drying out and causing me to rehydrate after a day or two when beetling larger game. The bugs can't get to all the flesh in time before it hardens up. How can I do better? Thanks in advance.
     
  3. Nov 24, 2018 #2
    Sea Wolf

    Sea Wolf Well-Known Member

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    Taxachusetts
    Present one head at a time? When you rehydrate, add some ammonia to the water. The ammonia in the flesh seems to attract them.
     
    Hardhorned likes this.

  5. Nov 24, 2018 #3
    406Beetles

    406Beetles New Member

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    Okay, thank you. If I were to soak an elk head in a large tote, what amount of ammonia would be recommended?
     
  6. Nov 28, 2018 #4
    BearBonz

    BearBonz Member

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    Wasilla Ak
    I do the same thing. I add about 1/2 cup of ammonia. I just rehydrated a grizzly. When I put it back in. They went nuts. Cleaned in 8 hrs.
     
  7. Nov 28, 2018 #5
    406Beetles

    406Beetles New Member

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    Thank you guys it helped alot