re: Trying my own European mount - Advice

Alright how long do I let the ants munch on it? Seems like the insides are pretty much gone. Hide is thin but intact. I may boil it this weekend.

I'd take it out and boil it. But that's mostly because I'm impatient. If the insides are mostly gone it shouldn't take too long though. For me, getting the eyes out is always the hardest part. Post some pics when your done.

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

This is by far the best video showing how to make a skull mount. This guy has many videos and is very thorough.

In brief skin the skull, wrap the base of antlers in shrink wrap and secure with electrical tape, lightly boil in water with oxyclean (do not use bleach, will bleach antlers and you will have to re-color), pressure wash or (I just take out and scrape tissue break out ear bones, brains etc.) do not boil high or too long because you can boil skull apart. Let dry after all connective tissue is off. Get the 40% hair whitener from salon wholesale place (can't buy in regular store). Re wrap antlers, low boil in whitener 10-15 min. done.

I my opinion trying the ant thing will ruin your skull, taxidermist who do this use some kind of beetles not ants.

Look up bootleggers post. It was step by step

I was told to boil on low

Hope this helps

Bootlegger- the flat sided tub from tractor supply. Is it metal or plastic? I looked the other day but all they had were plastic ones.