Wanted: Tips and tricks for doing euros

[HerkHunter]

I’ve been doing my own euros for a few years now and done some for buddies just for the practice. One thing I always run into is the waxy, gelatinous crap on the back of the skull along the crown (pictured). Anyone have any advice, tips, tricks to get this stuff off? I have been using a box cutter to cut the stuff off with varied results. TIA

 

[Rack Daniels]

Make sure your simmer is covering the back of the skull, focus on those areas with pressure wand. Watch out for the gelatinous material down the length of the nose though. I’m sure you already knew that!

 

[TransplantHunter]

In the few euro's that I have done - it just took a lot more simmering. After a while, it would loosen up and i could carve it off.

 

[TOGIE]

It's just a PIA. Always will be. Lower temp longer will get you there. But it always requires extra time scraping off with scalpels and other pointy things.

I already posted this elsewhere, but I got a little too fed up on an elk this fall. Sure did the trick and definitely splattered my sweatshirt. Might muff up the bone a bit, but I tend to not worry much about the final product on parts of skulls you will never see while they're hanging.

 

[Carl 9.3x62]

Add sodium carbonate (washing soda/sal soda) to the water while you simmer. It helps the flesh congeal and slough off a lot better.

 

[Joe Hulburt]

I’ve been soaking them in water with a cup of Oxy Clean for a couple days after simmering and pressure washing. It will whiten and continue to soften and remaining tissue.

 

[PrairieHunter]

I've found this book to be the best guide for cleaning skulls out there. Goes over every detail with pics. https://www.amazon.com/European-Skull-Mount-Process-Hackett/dp/B0B7QP8WC1

 

[Tmbrgost]

Pressure washer takes it right off.

 

[Speeddmn]

They few Ive done, were just as other mentioned. Simmer with some oxy or dawn soap. Scrape a little and then hit with a pressure washer. Not the 4k psi type but like 1500 or so.

Ive also soaked in peroxide in the past but dont know if Id do that again.