Creating a bear skull mount is a rewarding way to preserve the memory of a successful hunt or display a unique piece of nature. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a first-timer, cleaning and mounting a bear skull at home can be done with patience, care, and the right techniques. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process — from raw skull to a clean, display-ready mount.

What You’ll Need

Before you get started, gather the following tools and supplies:

  • Bear skull
  • Sharp knife and scalpel
  • Large pot or turkey fryer
  • Hydrogen peroxide (3% or stronger)
  • Gloves and safety goggles
  • Soft-bristle brush
  • Dental picks or tweezers
  • Wooden plaque (optional)
  • Mounting hardware or epoxy

Step 1: Skin and Prep the Skull

Start by removing as much flesh, tissue, and eyeballs from the bear skull as possible. Use a sharp knife or scalpel and take your time around delicate areas like the nasal bones.

Tip: The cleaner you get it in this stage, the easier the later steps will be.

Step 2: Simmer (Don’t Boil)

Place the skull in a large pot or outdoor turkey fryer. Simmer it slowly — do not boil — for 1–3 hours depending on the skull’s size. Boiling can damage delicate bone structures or cause teeth to loosen.

Add a bit of dish soap to help break down fats.

Step 3: Remove Remaining Flesh

After simmering, remove the skull and carefully pull off any remaining flesh using tweezers, dental tools, or a soft brush. Be gentle to avoid breaking fragile nasal bones.

Step 4: Degrease the Skull

Soak the skull in a degreasing solution (like dish soap or a professional degreaser) for several days to a few weeks. Replace the solution regularly. This step prevents yellowing over time and gives your bear skull mount a clean, professional look.

Step 5: Whiten the Skull

Once degreased and rinsed, submerge the skull in hydrogen peroxide (never bleach — it damages bone). Let it soak for 24–48 hours until it reaches your desired whiteness.

Warning: Wear gloves and goggles. Do this in a ventilated space.

Step 6: Dry and Reassemble

Allow the skull to dry completely — ideally for 24–48 hours. Reattach any loose teeth using epoxy or super glue. You can also use epoxy to fill any cracks or gaps if needed.

Step 7: Mount the Skull

You can display the bear skull mount on a wooden plaque, shelf, or wall mount. Secure it using screws, brackets, or a custom base. Make sure the skull is positioned securely and attractively. If you want to make the most out of your bear with regard to the meat see also: https://monsterwhitetails.ca/black-bear-meat-recipies/