No, no, this isn’t about the way I wash my hair (or lack of).  Instead, I wanted to give you readers some tips and tricks for preparing a skull for a european mount.

For an all inclusive instruction, the University of Arizona Cooperative extension has prepared a 4 page instructional sheet in .PDF Format that deals with all the various ways to turn a “bloody meathead” into a shiny,white, bright. keepsake.

Some quick hints for “Boiling” skulls:

When doing a hot water maceration, simmer don’t boil

Keep the skull off of the bottom of the pan or pot you are using.

• Keep the antlers out of the water to avoid discoloring them.
• Don’t use your wife, or girlfriends cooking pots.  For large skulls like a cattle or elk, a #2 washtub on a coleman stove outside is your best bet.
• Keep an eye on the water level. 
• Be mindful that this takes nearly a full day, and doesn’t smell all that wonderful. 
• To add a nice white color use Hydrogen peroxide once the meat is “off the bone”
• Glue in any loose teeth.

There are operations that have Dermestid beetles and do an outstanding job of cleaning a skull.  One such place is High Desert Skullworks.  Their page details the shipping procedure, prices, and services.