Cleaning a deer skull, you have found in the woods can be a rewarding and educational experience.

Not only will you have a unique and decorative addition to your home or collection, but you will also have the opportunity to learn about the anatomy and biology of deer. Here is a step-by-step guide you can follow:

How to clean a deer skull found in the woods

Gather your materials

You will need basic supplies to clean your deer skull, including a large plastic container, a scrub brush, a small knife or scalpel, and a degreaser or enzyme cleaner. You may also want to wear gloves to protect your hands.

Remove any remaining flesh and tissue

The first step in cleaning your deer skull is to remove any remaining meat and tissue.

This can be done using a combination of natural decomposition and manual removal. If the skull had been in the woods for a while, it might have already begun to decompose.

In this case, let the skull sit in the plastic container for a few weeks to allow the remaining flesh and tissue to rot away.

If the skull is still in relatively good condition, you may need to use a small knife or scalpel to scrape away any remaining flesh and tissue carefully.

Be sure to use caution and good hygiene when handling the skull, as it may contain bacteria or other pathogens.

Soak the skull in water

Once you have removed as much flesh and tissue as possible, it’s time to soak the skull in water to loosen any remaining dirt and debris.

Fill the plastic container with water and add a degreaser or enzyme cleaner according to the instructions on the label.

Place the skull in the water and let it soak for at least 24 hours, or longer if necessary.

Scrub the skull with a scrub brush

After the skull has soaked for sufficient time, use a scrub brush to scrub away any remaining dirt and debris.

Pay particular attention to the crevices and hard-to-reach areas, as these may be more difficult to clean.

You may need to soak and scrub the skull multiple times to remove all dirt and debris fully.

Rinse the skull thoroughly between each soaking and scrubbing to ensure that all of the degreaser or enzyme cleaners have been removed.

Boil the skull

Once you have scrubbed the skull as thoroughly as possible, it’s time to boil it to remove any remaining bits of flesh and tissue.

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Carefully place the skull in the pot and let it boil for at least an hour or longer if necessary.

This will help to loosen and soften any remaining bits of tissue, making them easier to remove.

Scrape and pick the skull

After boiling the skull, use a small knife or scalpel to scrape away any remaining bits of flesh and tissue carefully.

Use a small pick or other tools to help remove any stubborn bits of tissue.

Be sure to work carefully and pay attention to detail to ensure that the skull is as clean as possible.

Dry and whiten the skull

Once you have thoroughly cleaned the skull, it’s time to dry and bleach it.

To dry the skull, place it in a well-ventilated area and let it air dry for several days.

To whiten the skull, you can use a variety of methods, such as soaking it in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water or using a whitening product designed explicitly for skulls.

Follow the instructions on the product label, and be sure to use caution and good hygiene when working with chemicals.

Conclusion

Cleaning a deer skull found in the woods can be a rewarding and educational experience.

Following these steps, you can transform a dirty, discarded skull into a clean and decorative addition to your home or collection.

Be sure to use caution and good hygiene throughout the process, as the skull may contain bacteria or other pathogens.

With patience and attention to detail, you can have a beautiful and educational piece that will last for years.