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European-style antler/skull mounts are becoming more frequent as full shoulder mount prices keep going up. This is an easy way to preserve your antlers, and doesn't take a lot of time. Be sure to do this outdoors or make sure the wife will be gone for the weekend and by all means, don't use one of her good pots.

1. Remove the buck's head from the carcass and skin away as much hide and flesh as possible. The less meat left on the skull the less time the skull has to be in the water. Remember, boiling can damage the bone and antlers.

2. Place the head in a large pot of boiling water. Place enough water in the pot to cover the skull, but be careful not to immerse the antler bases. Boil the antlers two to three hours to loosen the remaining meat from the skull. Monitor this process closely, as parts of the skull can become soft and could detach from the skull if boiled too long.

CAUTION: Do not allow the antlers to come into contact with the boiling water or the sides of the pot as the antlers can sustain damage.

Tip: To help keep grease from sticking to the skull, a small amount of baking soda can be added to the water.

3. Remove the skull from the water after most of the remains have fallen off. Needle-nose pliers or tweezers can be used to remove small bones and gristle from inside the brain and nasal cavities. A small brush will also help you to remove other debris from the skull.

If using bleach mix 1 part bleach and 3 parts water. Dip the skull into the solution and let stand for a few minutes. Remove the skull and let it dry. Repeat this procedure as necessary to acquire the desired color.

Hydrogen peroxide is another bleaching method. First soak a cheesecloth in hydrogen peroxide and wrap it around the deer's skull. Set the wrapped skull in direct sunlight and let it dry for several hours. Repeat if necessary to obtain desired color.

Editors Note: You may want to try this on a old skull or even a doe skull to get the hang of this process. Don't take the chance of ruining your trophy.

January and February is the time to look for shed antlers. If you are not into walking or don't have access to a lot of land, try this idea sent to us from John of Cuba, MO. John tells us that it works very well and is easy to build. I think that the photo tell it all.

Thanks John.