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Need taxidermy recommendations for skull mount

1eyeReD

By 1eyeReD
in MN Archery - Bowhunting

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FISHINGURU Grand Master

FISHINGURU

Posted
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Corcorans in Hampton does real nice skull work.

I personally have been going with the reproduction skulls the past couple years. I like all the different color patterns you can chose from. If your not stuck on using the actual skull of your deer check out Masterofskulls or Outlaw Skulls.

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MattL Community Regular

MattL

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You can buy a kit to do it yourself, but they are stinky and messy. I would never do it again myself. As mentioned, just about any taxidermist can do it for you.

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Ringbill Apprentice

Ringbill

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I have done a number of them. I actually take pride in doing it myself. It is a little nasty getting the brain out but if you can handle it you can save a couple bucks. Nice buck by the way, He will look great on your wall

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harvey lee Grand Master

harvey lee

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For what the Taxi charge's, just as easy to have them do it. It can be a real mess and if you have never done it, I would just pay to have it done.

I just pay to have it done but I can see where some like to do their own.

Looks like a nice buck to me, congrats.

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jstrommen13 Enthusiast

jstrommen13

Posted
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A buddy and myself did our own last year and it wasn't all that bad. We researched ways of doing it but basically took all the meat we could off. Got the brains out using a clothes hanger with a small hook bent on the end. After that we had an old pot that we filled with water and dish soap. The dish soap helped with the stink but I didn't think it smelt all that bad. Usually boiled them for about 10 to 20 mins then try to pick off as much meat as possible with pliers and picking with screw drivers . After I finished I took it to my taxidermist and had him put a paste on with peroxide and I think baking soda. Haven't figured out exactly what it was but it worked great and u don't have to baby sit it so it sat on for 3 days then I rinsed it off. I'll see if I can post a pic of the finished product

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Tdubbers Explorer

Tdubbers

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I have done my own as well as taking it to a taxidermist. Its true its a process and it stinks! For that buck I would take it to a taxidermist, maybe try your own on a smaller deer. The taxidermist I took it too actually took it to another guy in Cannon Falls that has these special beetles that do all the work for you! Gets the skull really clean and white. My mount turned out really well, its the one in my avatar

<----------------- Let me know if you want to go this route, I can try to get the number.

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  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders
leech~~ Grand Master

leech~~

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  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders
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A buddy and myself did our own last year and it wasn't all that bad. We researched ways of doing it but basically took all the meat we could off. Got the brains out using a clothes hanger with a small hook bent on the end. After that we had an old pot that we filled with water and dish soap. The dish soap helped with the stink but I didn't think it smelt all that bad. Usually boiled them for about 10 to 20 mins then try to pick off as much meat as possible with pliers and picking with screw drivers . After I finished I took it to my taxidermist and had him put a paste on with peroxide and I think baking soda. Haven't figured out exactly what it was but it worked great and u don't have to baby sit it so it sat on for 3 days then I rinsed it off. I'll see if I can post a pic of the finished product

He may have used Borax instead of baking soda. The beetles work pretty well because some times when you do the boiling thing it can make teeth and other things loosen and fall out, but you can just glue them back in.

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jstrommen13 Enthusiast

jstrommen13

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I think we got lucky and didn't have any teeth fall out. I have my archery buck there so when I pick that up I will find out what his mix was

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Wanderer Grand Master

Wanderer

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Congrats on the buck 1 eye!

I've been happy with Beetle My Bones in Waite Park (next to St. Cloud).

Neither the beetles or boiling alone will get the bleach white look. They have to be whitened after the flesh/brain removal process of your choice.

Good luck whichever way you go. cool

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ozzie Grand Master

ozzie

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I took mine to a taxidermist off 169 between Elk River and Zimmerman and he did a great job for a reasonable price. Would do it again with another buck that is bigger but not the most "perfect rack"

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rkhinrichs Proficient

rkhinrichs

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right now it makes no sense but put it in the ground and let the bugs do their thing!!! it is free. yea you would have to wait a while but by mid july it will be ready to go!

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1eyeReD Proficient

1eyeReD

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Thanks for all the suggestions. Even the one about burying it in the ground. If I did that the "boss" might tell me to sleep out there with it. crazy

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