Cleaning a deer head properly is crucial for preserving a prized trophy and ensuring a high-quality taxidermy mount. This process requires careful attention to detail and the right tools. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or a beginner, this guide will provide a step-by-step approach to cleaning a deer head, maximizing its chances of becoming a lasting memory.
Essential Tools and Supplies
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools. Having everything readily available will make the process smoother and more efficient. You'll need:
- Sharp Knife: A sharp, clean knife is essential for skinning and fleshing. A scalpel can be helpful for delicate areas.
- Fleshing Tool: This tool helps remove the remaining flesh and fat from the hide efficiently.
- Borax or Non-iodized Salt: These are crucial for preventing bacterial growth and preserving the hide.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from bacteria and potential cuts.
- Eye Protection: Shielding your eyes from debris is paramount.
- Containers: You'll need containers for storing the cleaned skull and the hide separately.
- Clean Work Surface: This could be a table covered with a plastic sheet or a clean concrete area.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
The cleaning process can be divided into several key steps:
1. Skinning the Deer Head
- Begin at the Nose: Make an incision around the nostrils and carefully peel the skin back from the nose, working your way towards the eyes.
- Around the Eyes: Carefully cut around the eyes, ensuring not to damage the eye sockets.
- Ears: Make incisions behind the ears and carefully peel the skin down.
- Neck: Continue down the neck to the desired stopping point, often around the shoulders. The exact point will depend on your intended taxidermy mount.
- Careful Removal: Work slowly and meticulously to avoid tearing the skin. Use your fingers or the dull side of the knife to separate the skin from the skull.
2. Fleshing the Hide
This is a crucial step to prevent decay and ensure a clean mount. Improper fleshing can lead to undesirable results.
- Remove All Flesh and Fat: Using a fleshing tool, meticulously remove all traces of flesh, fat, and connective tissue from the inside of the hide. This requires patience and attention to detail.
- Thorough Cleaning: Ensure you've removed everything. Even small bits of leftover flesh can lead to problems.
- Rinse (Optional): Some prefer to rinse the hide at this stage with cool water, ensuring thorough removal of any remaining tissue.
3. Cleaning the Skull
Once the skin is removed, the skull needs thorough cleaning.
- Removal of Soft Tissue: Use a sharp knife or scalpel to carefully remove any remaining soft tissue from the skull.
- Soaking (Optional): Some taxidermists soak the skull in water with enzymatic cleaners to help loosen remaining tissue, but this is not always necessary.
- Scrubbing: Thoroughly scrub the skull to remove any remaining debris.
4. Preservation and Storage
Proper preservation is essential to preventing decay and ensuring a successful mount.
- Borax or Salt: Apply a generous amount of borax or non-iodized salt to the inside of the hide and to the cleaned skull. This will absorb moisture and prevent decay.
- Storage: Store the hide and skull in separate, well-ventilated containers in a cool, dry place.
Beyond the Basics: Tips for Success
- Sharp Tools: Using dull tools increases the risk of tearing the hide.
- Patience: Take your time, rushing can lead to mistakes.
- Proper Preservation: Proper preservation is paramount to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage.
This guide provides a foundation for cleaning a deer head. Remember, practice makes perfect. Consult with experienced taxidermists or hunters for additional guidance and refine your technique over time. A well-cleaned deer head is the foundation for a stunning trophy, a lasting reminder of your hunting success.
