I got thig guy in early November, and I haven't been able to take him to the taxidermist (financial problems), but I will be able to take him on the 5th of Jan. That's gonna be two months that the head has been in my back yard (below freezing a lot of the time). Is there going to be a huge problem when I take him in, or did I ruin the skull even?

I actually forgot about him for a little while, and I'm kind of worried that the taxidermist won't be able to mount him. I'm going to get a European.


http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q78/devldogs55/STA70328.jpg

I can't imagine that the bones in the skull are ruined in any way. Picked up winterkill skulls that have been out for months, the rats and mice nibble on the antlers, but that was about all the damage.

That's a nice rack and I'm sure it will turn out fine.

Be interested in hearing details of the hunt. Nice animal.

No, you'll be OK, but your taxidermist would probably appreciate your taking the meat and hide off prior to taking it in. The brains, eyes and sinus pockets should be cleaned out, along with the ears and head hide coming off.

If in doubt on how to do this, call the guy you're considering using and ask him for directions.

for a european mnt, just leave it in the back yard... come spring the critters will have cleaned the skull and you're done.. (note, leave it in an area where the smell will not bother anyone!!).

Good luck

Last rack mount I had was left on top of a red ant hill for several days. Cleaned to shiny white bone by the time I was ready to go home! :D