Are you a hunter? Do you have a set of deer antlers that you’ve been wanting to clean, but don’t know how? In this blog post, I will show you how to clean deer antlers using just a few simple tools. So, if you’re ready to get started, let’s get started!
Uncleaned and fresh deer antlers usually contain numerous harmful microscopic organisms, like bacteria, which you can’t see with your naked eyes.
If not sterilized, touching and working on this antler can place you at a very high risk, especially if you a hunter who obtained them from your hunting trips, and can infect you with awful sicknesses and diseases.
This is the main reason why you need to know how to clean deer antlers.
Related: When Do Deer Shed Their Antlers? Want to Know When to Hunt For Antlers?
Regardless of whether you have old or fresh deer horns, it’s critical to set aside some reasonable amount of time to clean them. Old antlers are cleaned to keep up an enchanting appearance, while fresh ones must be sterilized to take out harmful microorganisms and germs.
The good news is that cleaning and sterilizing both old and fresh antlers is a simple and clear process that anybody can do and adapt with. Simply follow the step-by-step guides below to have a clean, attractive and disease-free deer antler.
There’s no denying that big bucks with massive racks are a hunter’s dream, but often times the antlers are covered in dried blood, dirt, and other debris. In this blog post we’ll show you how to clean deer antlers quickly and easily so you can enjoy their beauty for years to come. Stay tuned!
What Are Antlers?
Antlers are the horns of male deer and reindeer. The main purpose of antlers is to attract mates and show dominance over other males, but they can also be used for self-defense. Antlers are made of bone and covered in a layer of skin called velvet. As the antlers grow, they are supplied with blood vessels and nerves.
Type of Deer Antlers
There are two types of deer antlers: pedicle and nuptial. Pedicle antlers are attached to the skull at a bony protuberance called a pedicle. Nuptial antlers are not attached to the skull and are shed every year.
Size and Shape of Antlers
The size and shape of antlers vary depending on the species of deer. For example, white-tailed deer have smaller antlers than mule deer. Antlers can be straight or curved, and they may have branching points called tines.
Velvet vs. Hard Antlers
The velvet on antlers is full of blood vessels and is very sensitive. Once the breeding season is over, the blood vessels constrict and the velvet dies. The antlers will then harden and the deer will rub them against trees to get rid of the velvet.
Antlers vs. Horns
Antlers are different from horns. Horns are made of hair and keratin, while antlers are made of bone and covered in velvet. Antlers are also only found on male deer and reindeer, while horns can be found on both males and females.
What is a Clean Deer Antlers ?
A clean deer antler is simply an antler that has been cleaned of all the tissue and blood. This can be done by boiling the antlers in water for several minutes or using a solvent such as bleach. After the antlers are clean, they can be used for a variety of purposes including crafts, decoration, and even jewelry.
Why Clean Deer Antlers?
There are a few reasons why you might want to clean deer antlers.
First, if you plan on using them for crafts or decoration, it’s important to have them free of any tissue or blood.
Second, cleaning the antlers will help preserve them and prevent them from rotting.
Finally, some people believe that cleaning the ant lers can remove any traces of scent, making them less detectable to deer.
Where Do You Get Deer Antlers?
Deer antlers can be found on the ground near deer habitats, or they can be purchased from hunting and sporting goods stores. It is important to only collect antlers that have been shed by the deer, as taking antlers from live deer can damage the animal’s horns.When you’re done with your deer hunting trip, take a few minutes to clean up the area by picking up all the trash you see. This will help keep the environment clean and make it safer for other animals. It’s also a good idea to clean your deer hunting equipment so that you’re ready to go again next time.
Guidelines for Cleaning Deer Antlers
The motivation behind cleaning fresh antlers is to eliminate debris, dirt, hair, blood and any other disturbing particles or substance remaining on them.
Let’s be honest, nobody wants to work with a deer antlers that still have hair or substance on it.
This is the reason why it’s vital and essential to appropriately clean them in advance.
The cleaning process only requires 20-30 minutes of your time.
Things Required For Cleaning
- An antler shed
- A soft scrubby sponge, a Toothbrush and a bristle brush used for heavier bath cleaning
- 1/4 C. baking soda, blended with enough water until it becomes a paste
- Elbow grease
- 1 C. warm water blended with 1 C. hydrogen peroxide
- 12-gage wire for designing and hanging
- Old towel
- Wire cutters or strong sharp scissors
How To Clean Deer Antlers- Steps to Follow
Step 1: Separating From The Skull Cap
The first step is that you must physically take out the antlers from the boney rectangular zone called the skull cap.
This process requires a little amount of elbow grease for the separation because deer antlers actually grows out from the skull cap,
Related:How To Bleach A Deer Skull-No Waste: 5 Simple Steps to a Beautiful Skull Trophy
To begin the separation, get a hacksaw and immovably saw each antler at the ground level where it joins with the cap.
Due to their irregular shape, you may need to protect the antlers to keep the saw cutting edge from moving around amid this process.
Keep sawing through the ground level of the antlers until they become isolated from the skull cap.
Step 2: Scrubbing
After you’ve isolated them from the skull cap, you’ll need a wire brush to clean them down to eliminate any outstanding organic matter on them. This process is called Scabbing.
This process requires a basic grill cleaning model and not making use of just any fancy brush.
You can get a wire grill brushes accessible at most home improvement stores. Give careful attention to the zone around the ground level of the antler, as this is the place where the hair and tissue will be hiding.
Give it a thorough scrub and it will fall off without much exertion.
Step 3: Boiling Water
The third step is to clean fresh antlers includes by boiling them in water. Few people may feel somehow towards this step but it’s important to eliminate any microbes present in them.
Fill a large cooking pot with water and add a couple dashes of salt. The cooking pot should be large enough to the extent that all the antler will be submerged in the water without any exposure. Put the pot on either a fire pit or stove and sit tight for the water to bubble and boil. I suggest doing this step outside over a fire pit, as it might generate an irritating smell that will linger on for quite some time. Let be honest, you won’t want to stink up your house for attempting to clean a few antlers.
Step 4: Finishing Up
Leave the antler a chance to boil for around 25-30 minutes. Sometimes, you will need to adjust them so that every inch can be submerged in the boiling water.
This process may not be an easy one especially if you have to deal with large antlers. I will recommend using a kitchen utensil to hold them down. Air-dry them outside after the antlers must have boiled effectively.
Antlers are typically delicate and sponge-like instantly after they are boiled and will return to their solidified state subsequent to drying.
Avoid abandoning them in the sun for longer than a day, as the sun can cause a bleaching effect on the regular antler’s color.
Cleaning Old Antlers and Antler Furniture
Old antlers also require cleaning often and often. In case you have antlers items or furniture, for example, centerpieces, lamps or chandeliers, they need to be cleaned and sanitized to prevent dirt and dust from accumulating over time.
This is a much simpler and easier procedure than cleaning fresh antlers, as there’s no organic matter to eliminate.
With only a wet fabric or towel and a drop of soap, you can effectively clean most antlers. Take the towel and swipe it under warm water with the soap added.
Then, wring it out. Make sure not to make use of a totally soaked towel, as an excessive amount of water will cause more damage. Take the damp towel and wipe them down in any direction you want.
In case you still have some on the antlers, just scrub it with more force and exertion. Although, few people make use of bleach to clean their antlers, but I’ve discovered that this shortcut method can stripe the antler’s original color, thereby making them look dull and unattractive. When you are done, clean the antler again with a neat towel to reduce the dampness.
How to Prepare Deer Antlers for Mounting
If you plan on mounting your deer antlers, there are a few things you need to do before you start. First, remove as much of the tissue and blood as possible. You can do this by boiling the antlers in water for several minutes or using a solvent such as bleach. Once they are clean, allow them to dry completely. Then, use a saw to cut off the ends of the antlers and file down any sharp edges. Finally, mount the antlers using a strong adhesive.
How to Clean Deer Antlers for Decoration
If you want to clean deer antlers for decoration, there are two methods you can use: boiling or bleaching.
To boil the deer antlers, place them in a pot of water and bring to a boil. Boil for 5-10 minutes, then remove from the heat and allow to cool. Once they are cool, use a brush to clean off any remaining tissue or blood.
To bleach the deer antlers, place them in a container and cover with bleach. Let them soak for several hours, then rinse with water and allow to dry completely.
Preserving Shed Antlers
If you find a shed antler, you may want to preserve it. The best way to do this is by soaking the antler in a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water. Let it soak for 24 hours, then remove and allow to dry completely. You can also spray the antler with a clear coat of paint or sealer to help protect it from the elements.
What Are Antlers Used For?
Antlers are used for several purposes, including:
Mounting the Antlers for Display
If you want to mount the deer antlers for display, there are a few things you need to do first. First, remove as much of the tissue and blood as possible. You can do this by boiling the antlers in water for several minutes or using a solvent such as bleach. Once they are clean, allow them to dry completely. Then, use a saw to cut off the ends of the antlers and file down any sharp edges. Finally, mount the antlers using a strong adhesive.
Attracting mates
One of the most popular uses for deer antlers is to attract mates. Male deer use their antlers to display their strength and virility, and females are often drawn to these qualities. If you want to attract a mate, consider displaying your antlers in a place where they are sure to be seen.
Using Deer Antlers for Crafts
If you want to use deer antlers for crafts, there are a few things you need to know. First, remove as much of the tissue and blood as possible. You can do this by boiling the antlers in water for several minutes or using a solvent such as bleach. Once they are clean, allow them to dry completely. Then, use a saw to cut off the ends of the antlers and file down any sharp edges. Finally, sand the antlers to create a smooth surface.
Making Deer Antler Jewelry
Deer antler jewelry is made by drilling holes into the antlers and threading them with wire or cord. First, remove as much of the tissue and blood as possible. You can do this by boiling the antlers in water for several minutes or using a solvent such as bleach. Once they are clean, allow them to dry completely. Then, use a drill to make holes in the antlers. Finally, thread with wire or cord and tie off the ends.
Building shelters or fences
Deer antlers can also be used to build shelters or fences. If you have a deer problem in your yard, consider using shed antlers to keep them away. The antlers are sharp and pointy, so they are perfect for this purpose. Simply arrange the antlers in a way that will deter the deer from coming into your yard.
Making Deer Antler Knives
Deer antler knives are made by carving the antlers into shape. First, remove as much of the tissue and blood as possible. You can do this by boiling the antlers in water for several minutes or using a solvent such as bleach. Once they are clean, allow them to dry completely. Then, use a saw to carve the antlers into the desired shape. Finally, sand the knife to create a smooth surface.
Protecting territory
Deer antlers can also be used to protect territory. If you want to keep deer from entering a certain area, consider using shed antlers to deter them. The sharp points and edges of the antlers will make it difficult for the deer to enter the area.
Gathering food
Deer antler is a source of calcium and other minerals, which makes it a perfect food for deer. If you want to attract deer to your yard, consider placing some shed antlers in the area. The deer will eat the antlers and stay in your yard for a while.
FAQ
How do I clean deer antlers for decoration?
There are two methods you can use: boiling or bleaching. To boil the deer antlers, place them in a pot of water and bring to a boil. Boil for 5-10 minutes, then remove from the heat and allow to cool. Once they are cool, use a brush to clean off any remaining tissue or blood. To bleach the deer antlers, place them in a container and cover with bleach. Let them soak for several hours, then rinse with water and allow to dry completely.
Can I preserve shed antlers?
Yes, you can preserver shed antlers by soaking them in a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water . Let them soak for 24 hours, then remove and allow to dry completely. You can also spray the antler with a clear coat of paint or sealer to help protect it from the elements.
How to clean deer antlers with borax?
There is no scientific evidence to support this claim, but it is something to consider if you are hunting with hounds.
How to clean deer antlers without boiling ?
To clean deer antlers without boiling, you can use a solvent such as bleach. Place the antlers in a container and cover with bleach. Let them soak for several hours, then rinse with water and allow to dry completely. You can also spray the antler with a clear coat of paint or sealer to help protect it from the elements.
How do I remove deer scent from antlers?
There is no scientific evidence to support this claim, but it is something to consider if you are hunting with hounds.
Can I eat deer antlers?
There is no evidence that deer antlers are unsafe to eat, but there is also no evidence that they are nutritious. They are not typically considered a food item.
How do you whiten deer antlers?
To whiten deer antlers, you can either boil them in water or bleach them. To boil the deer antlers, place them in a pot of water and bring to a boil. Boil for 5-10 minutes, then remove from the heat and allow to cool. Once they are cool, use a brush to clean off any remaining tissue or blood. To bleach the deer antlers, place them in a container and cover with bleach. Let them soak for several hours, then rinse with water and allow to dry completely. You can also spray the antler with a clear coat of paint or sealer to help protect it from the elements.
What is the best way to clean deer antlers?
The best way to clean deer antlers is to remove as much of the tissue and blood as possible. You can do this by boiling the antlers in water for several minutes or using a solvent such as bleach. Once they are clean, allow them to dry completely. Then, use a saw to cut off the ends of the antlers and file down any sharp edges. Finally, sand the antlers to create a smooth surface.
Can you soak antlers?
Yes, you can preserver shed antlers by soaking them in a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water . Let them soak for 24 hours, then remove and allow to dry completely. You can also spray the antler with a clear coat of paint or sealer to help protect it from the elements.
Conclusion
If you found out that your antler is still in velvet, you should try boiling them in water mixed with soap. A while later, eliminate any outstanding strands of velvet.
Most antlers discovered to be in velvet will seem permeable and in this manner, stand a high chance of accumulating dirt more easily.
Once more, you can make use of beeswax waterproofing to seal the pores and secure the antlers
One of the awesome ways for hunters to celebrate their trophy buck Is by mounting deer antlers.
As the antlers are being hanged on the wall so that everyone can see and admire, they tend to accumulate lots of dust and debris Also, excessive exposure to sunlight can cause fading making the deer antlers look old and shabby.
Luckily, with only some antlers paint and some household items, you can effectively clean deer antlers and prevent the future fading occurrence. We do love to know your experience about cleaning a deer antler. You can leave us a comment below
