How to do a European Mount. . . Maceration.

[Michelle_Nelson]

How long has it been in the maceration?

I've never put one in with brains and eyes before. 

[grundy53]

How long has it been in the maceration?

I've never put one in with brains and eyes before.

Since Tuesday. So Three full days. I guess it's a good thing it's only a raghorn so I'm not too worried about how it turns out. I just want to learn how to do it right. I guess this will be a little experiment.... If I get a buck I'll make sure to do it right...

[grundy53]

Oh before I forget. How long does it usually take for an elk skull to be macerated clean? Just so I can compare to how long mine takes. if it eventually works...

[sirmissalot]

My bull this year took about 2 1/2 weeks to macerate completely clean.

[boneaddict]

If I ever decide to kill another deer I think I will try this method.  Thanks Michelle for the work into putting this on here.   I have always boiled mine.  I do like to experiment with new procedures though.   

[Michelle_Nelson]

Is the lower jaw on it as well?

[grundy53]

yes

[Michelle_Nelson]

 

OK, never put one in with the lower jaw on.  You leave the tounge in it to.

I'd suggest maybe pulling it out and cutting off as much meat as you can.  If the brains are not already gone use a jet setting on a spray nozzel and blow them out.  Than put it back in.

[grundy53]

sounds like a plan. Thanks again.

[boneaddict]

If the brains are not already gone use a jet setting on a spray nozzel and blow them out.  Than put it back in.

Make sure you are wearing your Sundays best when doing this.

[bugs n bones]

Dermisted beetles

[PolarBear]

Beetles are a pain in the butt to keep the 10 months out of the year that you don't need them.
Maceration is the way to go, no more boiling, bugs or picking!

[grundy53]

sooo. I pulled the skull out today after it had been sitting in warm fetid water since Tuesday. I cut out the eyes, removed the lower jaw/tongue, removed as much meat as possible from the rest of the skull and used the jet setting on the hose to remove the brains. While I'm sure this I've done grosser. I can't remember when  . This was pretty bad. mainly because this was a very hands on project. My wife made the mistake of coming and checking to see what I was doing. She immediately informed me that I was to wash my hands with bleach as soon as I was done and possibly burn my clothes. I needed to shower right away and I'm not allowed to touch our baby boy for at least 2 days.... I didn't even argue  . I have since washed my hands with bleach, soap (several times) Lysol disinfectant, and hand sanitizer. I can still smell the rot on my hands. Moral of the story A0 do it right the first time and B) wear gloves. 

[Pathfinder101]

sooo. I pulled the skull out today after it had been sitting in warm fetid water since Tuesday. I cut out the eyes, removed the lower jaw/tongue, removed as much meat as possible from the rest of the skull and used the jet setting on the hose to remove the brains. While I'm sure this I've done grosser. I can't remember when  . This was pretty bad. mainly because this was a very hands on project. My wife made the mistake of coming and checking to see what I was doing. She immediately informed me that I was to wash my hands with bleach as soon as I was done and possibly burn my clothes. I needed to shower right away and I'm not allowed to touch our baby boy for at least 2 days.... I didn't even argue  . I have since washed my hands with bleach, soap (several times) Lysol disinfectant, and hand sanitizer. I can still smell the rot on my hands. Moral of the story A0 do it right the first time and B) wear gloves. 

I hear ya Grundy.  I tried this two years ago (you can read my pathetic process earlier on this thread) and I didn't use a big enough aquarium heater and it turned into a horrible, smelly fiasco.  I have been to Michelle's shop and I can tell you that she turns out the most impeccable, museum-quality skulls I have seen, but as for me and mine...we are back to boiling.  Best of luck to ya  (better luck than I had anyway.. )

[Michelle_Nelson]

grundy53. . . . .Leson Learned! ! ! ! 

BTW some of you guys are way to sensitive. 

I can have a deer and Bear skulls completely meat free in 5 - 7 days.  Elk are 10 days.