How to Taxidermy Velvet Antlers
To taxidermy velvet antlers, the first step is to inject a solution into the vein lines of the antlers until the preserve coming out of the tips of the tines matches the color of the solution.
Then, hang the antlers upside down in a shady area to let the preserve flow out of the velvet.
Apply some of the solution over the velvet to prevent bugs from entering.
Finally, either take the rack to a taxidermist as soon as possible or place it in a freezer until it can be sent off.
Freezing the velvet mule deer rack for over a year does not cause any damage.
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Did You Know?
1. The velvet covering on antlers is actually a layer of skin, tissue, and blood vessels. It provides essential nutrients for the antlers’ growth and helps protect them from damage.
2. Taxidermy is the practice of preserving and mounting animals for display or study purposes. It requires extensive knowledge of anatomy, artistry, and preservation techniques.
3. Velvet antlers are mainly found on deer species such as red deer, elk, and moose. The antlers grow every year and shed annually, beginning the cycle of velvet growth again.
4. In the process of taxidermy, preserving velvet antlers requires careful removal of the velvet layer. It is then dried, treated, and prepared for its final display or mount.
5. Velvet antlers are prized for their soft texture and are often used in traditional medicine or as ornamental decoration. Their beauty and unique characteristics have made them sought-after objects in various cultures around the world.
Injecting Solution Into Antler Vein Lines
Taxidermy Preservation of Velvet Antlers
Taxidermy preservation of velvet antlers requires a delicate and precise process to ensure the velvet is properly preserved without causing any damage. One crucial step in this process is injecting a solution into the vein lines of the antlers. This step not only helps in the preservation but also enhances the overall appearance of the antlers.
To inject the solution, you will need:
- A syringe
- A colored solution that matches the desired color of the preserve
Carefully insert the syringe needle directly into the vein lines of the antlers and slowly inject the solution. This process should be done until the preserve coming out of the tips of the tines matches the color of the solution.
Properly injecting the solution ensures that the preserve reaches all the necessary areas, enhancing the color and preventing any discoloration or deterioration of the velvet.
Hanging Antlers Upside Down For Preservation
Once the solution has been injected into the antler vein lines, the next step is to hang the antlers upside down. This hanging process allows the preserve to flow out of the velvet gently, ensuring the preservation of the soft tissue. Hanging the antlers upside down also aids in the prevention of any potential damage that could occur from the weight of the antlers pulling on the velvet.
Choose a shady area for hanging the antlers to avoid exposure to direct sunlight, as sunlight can cause the velvet to deteriorate quickly. By hanging the antlers upside down, gravity helps the preserve flow naturally out of the velvet over time, resulting in a beautifully preserved piece.
- It is crucial to monitor the hanging process regularly and make sure that the velvet is not getting damaged or tangled during this preservation period.
Applying Solution To Protect Against Bugs
Preserving velvet antlers involves preventing bugs from entering and causing damage to the delicate tissue. As part of the preservation process, apply some of the solution used for injection over the velvet itself. This solution acts as a deterrent and protects the velvet from insect infestations.
Using a brush or cloth, gently apply the solution onto the velvet, ensuring thorough coverage. This step provides an additional layer of protection against any potential bug invasion, allowing you to maintain the pristine condition of the velvet antlers.
Seeking Taxidermist Or Freezing The Rack
After completing the preservation steps, it is essential to take the rack to a skilled taxidermist as soon as possible. A taxidermist will have the necessary expertise and equipment to finalize the preservation process and create a stunning display piece.
If immediate access to a taxidermist is not possible, placing the antler rack in a freezer can act as a temporary solution. Freezing the velvet mule deer rack for over a year does not cause any damage. However, it is crucial to remember that the antler rack will need to be properly thawed before being sent to a taxidermist to complete the preservation process.
- Take the rack to a skilled taxidermist as soon as possible
- Placing the antler rack in a freezer can act as a temporary solution
- Freezing the velvet mule deer rack for over a year does not cause any damage
- Properly thaw the antler rack before sending it to a taxidermist
Long-Term Freezing Of Velvet Mule Deer Racks
In some instances, long-term freezing may be necessary for preserving velvet mule deer racks. Whether the decision is due to timing, availability of a taxidermist, or personal preference, freezing can be a viable option for long-term preservation.
When considering long-term freezing, it is important to ensure the antler rack is properly wrapped and protected to prevent any freezer burn or damage. Use materials such as plastic wrap or freezer bags to create a barrier between the velvet and the freezing environment.
Label the package with pertinent information such as date, species, and any specific storage instructions for easy identification and reference in the future. Store the wrapped rack in a freezer set to a suitable temperature, preferably below 0°F (-18°C) to maintain the integrity of the velvet.
Achieving Preservation Without Causing Damage
Properly preserving velvet antlers requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to the step-by-step instructions provided. By following these instructions, you can ensure the preservation of the velvet while maintaining the integrity and appearance of the antlers. Whether you choose to have a taxidermist finalize the preservation or opt for long-term freezing, each step is crucial to achieve a beautifully preserved piece of wildlife art.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you preserve velvet antlers for taxidermy?
To preserve velvet antlers for taxidermy, it is crucial to act promptly. Upon returning from the mountain, it is advisable to either take the rack to a taxidermist immediately or store the entire rack in a freezer. By keeping the antlers in a freezer until they can be sent off, you ensure that the velvet remains in excellent condition. This approach has proven successful, as we have personally preserved a velvet mule deer rack in the freezer for over a year, resulting in the velvet being in phenomenal condition when it finally reached the taxidermist.
What can I use to preserve velvet antlers?
To preserve velvet antlers, a reliable option is to utilize VelvaLok spray. By generously applying this spray onto all velvet surfaces, ensuring that the antlers are saturated to the point where the product is visibly dripping down to the pedicles, effective preservation can be achieved. It is crucial to position the tips of the antlers in an elevated manner, ensuring that the antlers’ bases are perpendicular to the ground plane. Allowing VelvaLok to sit undisturbed for a period of 72 hours is recommended, although the preservation time may vary depending on specific circ*mstances. By following these steps, the velvet antlers can be effectively preserved for future use or display.
Can you freeze velvet antlers to preserve them?
Yes, freezing velvet antlers can be an effective method to preserve them. The velvet antler has a delicate structure that can be easily damaged if mishandled, and freezing helps to maintain its integrity. Similar to meat, the cold temperature helps to slow down any deterioration processes and preserve the velvet in its original state. By keeping the antlers cold and freezing them, hunters can ensure that the velvet remains intact and minimizes the risk of accidentally damaging or rubbing it off during handling.
Can a deer in velvet be mounted?
Yes, it is possible to mount a deer in velvet. Although it may not be common to come across a buck in velvet at certain times of the year, it can still happen. It’s important to handle the velvet with care and make arrangements to either freeze it or take it to a taxidermist as soon as possible. Preservation methods for the velvet may vary depending on the stage of development, so it’s crucial to consult with professionals to ensure the best outcome.
