Preserve those hog hunting memories with a skull mount
For hog hunters wanting to preserve memories of a hunt without the expense of a taxidermy bill, try this at-home method for creating a skull mount.
• Get the hide off the head and cut away as much meat, membrane, and tissue, as possible.
• Using an oversized boiling pot and propane burner, boil the skull in a solution of water, dish washing detergent, and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Prevent deteriorating the bone tissue by keeping it on a low boil.
• Boil the skull for 30 minutes. Carefully remove and drain the skull of hot water. Use a skinning knife to scrape any remaining tissue from the bone. Repeat as necessary, using the water to loosen any remaining soft matter.
• Drill a ½-inch hole into the brain cavity from the back, flat section of the skull. Using a bent clothes hanger and electric drill, agitate the brain tissue between boiling sessions. Next, pack the cavity with Borax to loosen and absorb the tissue.
Clean, clean, clean
• After the final boiling, rub and pack Borax into every opening and crevice and let the skull sit overnight. The Borax will absorb any remaining tissue, including the canals in the teeth, to keep the skull from having any odor.
• Use Super Glue to reattach any dislodged teeth or tighten loose teeth.
• After several days of thorough drying, bleach the skull in a 2-part peroxide formula called Beendare, available from a beauty supply store, or simply paint the skull with an oil-based spray paint. Use latex gloves.
• Finally, seal the skull mount by spraying on a gloss or satin coat of clear acrylic like Krylon which can be found in most paint stores.
• If desired, the skull can be mounted to a plaque or other wood for hanging. Use drywall screws to mount from the back and wire the jaws in place.
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