What is the best way to get dried up hide off old deer skulls.  The hide is just on the top of the skull between and around the antlers.  I got most of it off initially but neglected the antlers and now I'm stuck with a mostly clear skull with some hide stuck to it.  Also what is the best way to clean the skull? They've been sitting outside. 

Thanks,

Mark

boil it, but be sure to keep the antlers out of the water

When I'm boiling skulls I like to fit some tinfoil around the bases to make a lid to keep them from getting stemmed and to hold the water/heat in too. Then I use some watered down peroxide and a toothbrush to detail them, the peroxide will dissolve any thing left once you clean them up a bit. Then a coat of clear spray enamel will seal them good to help keep them looking fresh.

first off boil outside wives do not care for the smell

i use a turkey fryer with water and either dishwash soap crystals or 20 mule team borax.  the sodium bicarbonate loosens up the meat makes it fall off the bone easier.  still will some detail cleaning on the back underside of skull.

NOTE: sodium bicarbonate is some what of a bleaching agent.  careful if antler sit down in the water too.  also watch to make sure that you dont boil it too long the the tissue that holds the skull bones together breaks down (easy fix if it does with elmers glue and rubber bands)

Have a better word for the process , simmer at most and 200 degrees works well .