Posted: 11/25/2009 6:52:19 AM EDT
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Here's something else you may want to try instead of just cutting out the skull cap of a smaller buck. I think these look a whole lot nicer, and it's really not too much work (it'll take me longer to type this than to do it ;D)
First, make a cut across bridge of nose from front of eyes. Then back across ear butts, and connect at back of skull. Better to leave too much than not enough. Then skin back to antlerbases.You'll need to work at it a little bit above eyes. I use a razor blade, but I use them for most EVERYTHING! Filet kniove are good too.A dull, flat screwdriver helps as well, especially lifting the hide. Work between the antlers with the screwdriver, but DO NOT pop the hide out loose from the bases:just between a little. 
Then holding the hide out of the saw's way, cut down across the snout at the back of the eyes, 2" deep or so . Then from the back of the skull forward, so your cuts meet. You may need to hack away abit, but don't worry-you'll clean it up later. Just kep the hide out of the saw teeth. 
Pop/pry skull cap loose. If brain don't plop right out, just pry it out with screwdriver. 
Now trim away as much meat,flesh,tissue, fat, etc as you can, from both the skull and hide. Mostly around antler bases,and eyelid area. Work it over pretty good, but don't go crazy. Should be fairly clean when you're done. Pop out brain membrane with screwdriver. 
Now trim up/even up bone. ( I didn't do it until the very end on this one, so it doesn't show in the pics. But get rid of all the jagged stuff) Remove sharp edges,especially around where eye sockets were. Then drill a 3/16-1/4" hole (whatever bit you have laying around) from front of skull, again, holding hide out of the way. 
Then rub a preservative into hide and skull. Work it in good! Sometimes it'll help you grip any remaining meat scraps, so yank them right off too,and rub some more. I use a dry tan preservative, but have some I did 20 years ago, using plain Borax and a little salt.( Maybe a moth ball too?) Still holding up well. 
Then punch some holes around the perimeter. I used to used a 10d nail and a block of wood/hammer. Makes stitching easier, but a carpet needle should go right on through. 
Then sew it up, using a lugnut pattern. I use heavy waxed thread, anything heavy will work. Have used 30 or 40# mono before as well. 
I take a wire brush to clean up antlers (preservative/dried blood,etc). Gives them a little shine as well. 
Then to mount (wall, board, truck hood) I carefully punch thru the pre-drilled hole from the back with a nail,awl,etc. Then come from the front with a 3" drywall screw SLOWLY and BY HAND! Part the hair out of the way,and you can get the screw head flush to the bone. Then cover with hair. [/quote] |
