Blacktail Euro from 2015

[pope]

I finally got around to putting the finishing touches on the 2015 buck (my first deer). I followed the steps in this video, except I waited a long time between degreasing in OxyClean and bleaching with H202.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lj7DtfsmaA

I found 40% clear developer at Sally's on sale for $6/gallon and mixed with water in a canning pot, probably 1:3 H202 to water, but I didn't measure. I kept checking for color and loose teeth and decided after about one hour he wasn't getting any whiter. As he dried out, I kept a rubber band around his nose to keep it from spreading. I also used a little MinWax stain on the back side of the antlers, near the bases. And I brushed Mop-n-Glo on the skull. Other than that, I'm looking at bass wood planks with bark edges for a mounting plaque, thinking of trying my hand at some wood burning art. If that turns out OK, I'll post it. But don't hold your breath....I'm not very artistic.

[CLARKTAR]

Turned out great! Beautiful fireplace!

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[grundy53]

Nice!

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[pope]

Thanks for the kind words! That's an old Buck 2000 insert which I'm supposed to replace, but I like the look of it. I completely rebuilt the mechanical parts a few years ago. I found a fan motor, thermostat and wiring harness from an outfit down in S Carolina.

https://servicesales.com/product-category/stove-parts/buck-stove-parts/older-model-26000-27000-28000-carolina-1-11/

[blindluck]

Looks good, looks like grease between the eyes though. Do you plan on more degreasing or calling it good?

[Mark251]

Very cool!  Great work 

[pope]

Looks good, looks like grease between the eyes though. Do you plan on more degreasing or calling it good?

There was some material up in his sinuses that didn't come out when I first boiled him in OxyClean. The hydrogen peroxide seemed to take care of it. He no longer has a boogery nose. I probably waited too long between these two steps. I also think the other photo has some shadows that make it look worse than it is. Here is another photo.

[pope]

Finally on the wall. My student, Gabe, helped me out with this mount. An ace in calculus and wood shop, he is a graduating senior and one heck of a good guy.

[JakeLand]

That's looks very nice!!! Cool looking

[pope]

Thanks, and not a Park deer, I promise.

[elkboy]

That looks beautiful!  Congratulations.  I hope it is the first of many deer for you! 

[pope]

That looks beautiful!  Congratulations.  I hope it is the first of many deer for you!

Thanks. Gabe did a nice job with the laser burner. And to your comment [bold added], I hope this is the year for number two!

[Jim/WA]

That looks awesome! Probably the best I've ever seen. I haven't always liked euro mounts but I'm starting to jump on the bandwagon. Last summer in Germany they were everywhere. This picture I took in a farmhouse in Bavaria gave me a good idea for a future Elk/Blacktail combo wall display.

[pope]

That looks awesome. Love the arrangement.