How to Prep a European Skull Mount by Burying It: The Natural Decomposition Method

Creating a European Skull Mount—also known as a Euro Mount—doesn’t always require boiling or chemicals. One of the oldest and most natural ways to clean a skull is by letting nature do the work for you. In this guide, we’ll explore how to bury a skull and let bugs, worms, and bacteria naturally remove the flesh, offering an eco-friendly and low-effort alternative for taxidermy enthusiasts.

Why Use the Burial Method?

While boiling and peroxide whitening are popular methods for preparing a European Skull Mount, some hunters and taxidermists prefer a more passive and chemical-free approach. Burying a skull in the ground allows insects, bacteria, and decomposition to strip away soft tissue over time, leaving behind clean, natural bone.

This method:

• Requires no chemicals or degreasers.

• Minimizes odor indoors.

• Preserves fine bone structures like nasal cavities better than boiling.

Step-by-Step Guide: Prepping a Skull by Burial

1. Initial Prep

• Remove as much tissue, eyes, and brain matter as possible.

• Skin the head and remove the lower jaw if not desired for the final mount.

• Optional: Wrap antlers (if present) in plastic or foil to protect them from dirt and staining.

2. Choose a Burial Site

• Select a spot with good drainage, loose soil, and plenty of insect activity.

• Avoid areas prone to flooding.

• Make sure the location is secure from pets, scavengers, and curious animals.

3. Dig and Bury

• Dig a hole 2–3 feet deep.

• Place the skull in a mesh bag or old pillowcase to prevent losing teeth or small bones.

• Cover with soil and mark the location clearly (use a stake or marker).

4. Wait and Monitor

• Depending on temperature, humidity, and insect activity, the decomposition process can take 3–6 months.

• In warmer climates with active soil organisms, it may take as little as 2 months.

• Check occasionally for disturbance or signs of scavenging.

Step 5: Cleaning After Burial

Once you dig up the skull:

1. Rinse Thoroughly

• Hose off all remaining dirt and loose tissue.

• Use a soft brush to remove dried-on debris.

2. Degrease (Optional but Recommended)

• Even though the burial process removes most flesh, the skull may still be oily.

• Soak in warm soapy water or a degreaser for a few days to a few weeks, depending on the species.

Step 6: Whitening and Finishing

After cleaning:

1. Whiten Using Peroxide

• Apply 12–40 volume hydrogen peroxide to the skull (not bleach!).

• Let sit for 12–24 hours, then rinse and dry.

2. Seal and Mount

• Apply a matte clear sealant if desired.

• Use a skull hanger, Euro skull wall mount or Tabletop euro mounting system to proudly display your trophy. Of course, we recommend our amazing UX1

Final Tips

• Teeth may fall out during decomposition. Collect and glue them back in once dry.

• Antlers can stain from soil. Wrap or elevate the base of the antlers during burial to avoid this.

• This method works well for deer, coyotes, boar, and similar animals with accessible skull structures.

Why Choose the Burial Method for Your Euro Mount?

If you're a taxidermy hobbyist looking for a more natural, hands-off approach, burial is a time-tested method that requires minimal effort. The results can be just as striking as a boiled skull—and in some cases, even better preserved.

Once your European Deer or Wild Game Skull Mount is cleaned and whitened, attach it to a quality European skull hanger/ Euro skull wall mount bracket, like our UX1, for a sleek and secure Euro Skull Wall Mount display that showcases your harvest the way nature intended.