After talking about it for a few weeks, I actually took my antlers back to my house and boiled them. It was a nice, sunny day. I had my grill going and everything was working well.
The wind put out the burner a couple of times, but I re-lit it. However, when I ran out of propane, I was forced to bring it inside.
With the windows and door open, I boiled this thing. I added water every 30-60 minutes to keep it boiling. Hour after hour. I thing the entire project took me about 8 hours. But when it was done, this is what I had. Its funny to look at the antlers now and see how uneven they are.
I think the lines are the coolest thing. They are suture lines from the soft infant skull fusing solid. And for some reason, I can not remember seeing these lines on the antlers Dad has. I will have to check out all of his more closely when I am at the house next time.
Next step: mounting this bad boy.
Nice job on boiling, they look great.
Thanks Rick! Did yours have the squiggle lines? I scanned through your blog but couldnt find the post to compare.
Erin,
It is great to see a young women enjoying the outdoor and hunting. My dad was a Maine guide for 32 years and instilled in his children the joy of the outdoor through fishing and hunting. I also brought my daughters up to love the outdoors. They don't hunt but thats ok, they do love to explore in the outdoors though! One of my daughters is Aislinn and she writes for the paper. Great job with the hunting article, I bet your dad is very proud, I know I am with my girls. Best of luck this year in your trips a field!
Stan
Thank you so much Stan! We had a great time with Aislinn at the Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop a few weeks ago. There is nothing better than a bunch of women who love the outdoors, getting together and celebrating all that we can do and the wonderful Dads who taught and encourage us!!!