Preserve The Hunt . Elevate The Memory
Our premium European mounts are professionally cleaned and meticulously prepared to highlight the natural beauty of your hard earned trophy. Whether it is your first buck or a new addition to your cabin, man cave, or lodge, we help bring your hunting story to life, turning memories into masterpieces.
Licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Division.
Our cleaning operation is divided into three specialized stages:
We transform your trophy into a display-worthy masterpiece using a highly specialized, all-natural cleaning process — powered by our elite team of insects, each with a specific mission.
The All-Nighters
These are our large insects, working tirelessly day and night to remove the bulk of the tissue. They get in fast and do the heavy lifting.
The Smoothers
Our medium-sized insects take over next, focusing on fine-tuning and cleaning hard-to-reach areas without damaging delicate bone.
The Finishers
The smallest in the colony, these insects handle the finishing touches with surgical precision, leaving no detail overlooked.
All About Cleaning
We ensure that your specimen is meticulously prepared with no risk of bone shrinkage, tooth cracking, softening, or damage from excessive boiling. When you choose our services, you can trust that your specimen will be in the best possible condition. We stand by the quality of our work, our customer service, and our craftsmanship, and we're confident that you'll be completely satisfied. Skull cleaning is our expertise, and we take pride in delivering exceptional results every time.
Licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Division.
You do not need to clean the skull before sending it. However, please note that a hide removal fee will apply.
In addition to skull cleaning and hide removal (if needed), the process typically includes the following services:
Degreasing – Removing oils and fats from the bone to prevent yellowing over time.
Whitening – Using a hydrogen peroxide solution to whiten the skull without damaging the bone.
Sanitizing – Ensuring the skull is clean and odor-free.
Final Detailing – Removing any remaining tissue or imperfections for a polished look.
Protective Coating (optional) – Applying a clear sealant to protect and preserve the skull.
Plaque Mounting (optional add-on) – Mounting the skull on a display plaque of your choice.
You do not need to clean the skull before sending it. However, please note that a hide removal fee will apply.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Preparation:
- Clean the skull: Remove all flesh, hide, and brains from the skull.
- Protect the antlers: Wrap the antlers in bubble wrap and consider using pipe insulation or similar padding to protect the tips from breakage.
- Freeze the head: If possible, freeze the skull solid to help preserve it during shipping.
- Consider the cape: If the cape is still attached, fold it flesh-to-flesh over the face and wrap it in a bag.
2. Packaging:
- Choose a sturdy box or crate: Opt for a rigid wooden crate or a strong cardboard box.
- Line the box/crate: Add a layer of Styrofoam or other cushioning material to protect the mount.
- Secure the head: Place the wrapped deer head in the box and fill any empty spaces with packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or other packing materials.
- Avoid direct tape contact: Do not use duct tape or other strong adhesives directly on the antlers, as they can discolor the antlers.
- Label clearly: Mark the box as "Taxidermy Items" or "Wildlife Parts" as required by law.
3. Shipping:
- Choose a reliable carrier: Consider using UPS or FedEx instead of the postal service for more reliable delivery times.
- Ship early in the week: This allows for more transit time and helps prevent the mount from sitting in a warehouse over the weekend.
- Consider shipping insurance: This will protect you in case of damage or loss during transit.
Respecting the Process — Powered by Insects
Our work begins with a remarkable team of tiny, flesh-eating insects that specialize in precision cleaning. These natural cleaners gently remove all tissue from every crevice of the skull, ensuring a thorough, damage-free result. They ask for very little—just a safe, secluded environment and consistent care—while delivering exceptional results.
The Art of Degreasing
After the insects have completed their work, each skull undergoes a multi-week degreasing process. This step is essential to remove embedded oils, which helps maintain a natural white appearance and prevents future yellowing. The process takes time—but quality never comes from shortcuts.
Natural Whitening—No Paint, No Boil
Once degreased, we apply a two-step whitening treatment that brightens the bone without compromising its integrity. We do not boil skulls—boiling can cause pieces to loosen or fall apart, and it forces grease deeper into the bone. Over time, this results in discoloration and attracts dust, leaving you with a disappointing display.
Larger Skulls Require Extra Care
For animals like wild boar and bear, additional degreasing time is required—sometimes several extra weeks. These species naturally carry more oil, and rushing the process would only lead to yellowing later on.
Remove all flesh, hide, and brains from the skull.
In the context of skull cleaning and preparation, a "fresh deer skull" typically refers to a skull that has been recently removed from the animal and still has all of the flesh, hide, eyes, brain, and other soft tissues attached and intact.
BIO DISPOSAL FEE: Skulls Unlimited charges a 15% bio-hazardous surcharge to properly dispose of the byproducts used to clean, sanitize and whiten your skull.
RETURN SHIPPING: Return shipping is not included in the cleaning price. These are added to the total on your invoice when your specimens are ready to be shipped.