Cleaning antlers

[madmixerman]

I got a buck this year that wasn't done rubbing the velvet off his antlers for some weird reason. How do I clean the blackened blood & dried pieces of velvet off the rack ? Just going to mount the rack & part of the skull cap.

[grayghost]

Soak the antlers in hot water for an hour (doesn't need to be boiling but very hot) or until the remaining velvet comes off. Be careful not to use a wire brush or anything metal as this could damage any soft areas of antler. Once clean of velvet, mix a paste of OxyClean detergent and rub on any bloody spots. Allow it to remain until dry then place into hot water again. What blood will come out will be gone within an hour. There can still be staining from the velvet areas so your next step may have to be antler stain or bleach with Hydrogen Peroxide 3% (use extreme caution; goggles and rubber gloves) or allow a Taxidermist who is experienced to finish the job. GG