Deodorizing a Moose Shed?

[sitchensis]

I just spent the week working outside of Yakutat and I found a pretty nice moose shed. It must have been a pretty recent shed because it still has good color. The shed is about 3.5’ x 1.5’.

The one problem with the shed is that it stinks. I assume they must rub some sort of gland secretions on them during the rut because that is the kind of smell it’s giving off.

Anybody have a sure fire method for deodorizing and caring for moose sheds?

[picker]

That seems like an awfully small shed for a moose. How in the world did it fit?

[Dewey Finn]

Originally Posted by picker

That seems like an awfully small shed for a moose. How in the world did it fit?

I'm wondering if the moose shed isn't to house the moose, but instead the hunter, during hunting season.

[Absolute]

He means he found some moose antlers, and they smell.

[Ethilrist]

"Deodorizing a Moose Shed?"

Things I never thought I'd live to see. Oh, wait, that's a different thread.

[Dallas Jones]

I believe the OP is talking about moose antlers that have been 'shed'.

You know, they fall off each year.

[sitchensis]

Originally Posted by Dallas Jones

I believe the OP is talking about moose antlers that have been 'shed'.

You know, they fall off each year.

Yes sorry, Shed is a pretty common term where I’m from. Shed hunting and shed collecting are popular hobbies.

Stinky moose antlers would be more accurate.

[Chefguy]

Bleach?

[crowmanyclouds]

Originally Posted by Chefguy

Bleach?

AIUI household bleach is the worst choice for bleaching/cleaning antler and bone. If it isn't neutralized properly it causes the antler/bone to break down and the surface become chalky. Hydrogen peroxide is the preferred household chemical for bleaching/cleaning antler and bone.

Before I'd get the HP out, I give my antler/bone a couple of good scrubbings with a stiff brush and, preferably liquid anti-bacterial, soap. Just settin' them out in the sun for a few days might help a lot too, but you risk discovering why you don't find the forest floor littered with sheds . . . rodents love to eat them!
(In exchange for several large piles of BO sunflower seeds my backyard squirrels gave me the bone from a ham steak with a beautifully hand, well tooth really, fluted outside surface. )

CMC fnord!

[Lukeinva]

Originally Posted by Dallas Jones

.... they fall off each year.

They do?

[Washoe]

Originally Posted by Lukeinva

They do?

Of course they do. And if you count the rings, you can tell how old the moose is.

[Musicat]

Originally Posted by Washoe

Of course they do. And if you count the rings, you can tell how old the moose is.

Or how much bling they like.

[Garfield226]

prior to realizing the correct meaning of "shed"...

Step one: Remove moose.

[Musicat]

If a moose calls, don't antler.

[Washoe]

Mount those bad boys on the roof of your single-wide, and you should get pretty good HD reception.

[sitchensis]

Originally Posted by Washoe

Mount those bad boys on the roof of your single-wide, and you should get pretty good HD reception.

Could you please explain this joke I’m not sure I get it?

[Washoe]

It’s sort of a poor man’s rip-off on the “you might be a redneck if…” type of humor.

[sitchensis]

Originally Posted by Washoe

It’s sort of a poor man’s rip-off on the “you might be a redneck if…” type of humor.

I got it, Thanks

[Rhythmdvl]

A moose once bit my Python.

[njtt]

Originally Posted by Rhythmdvl

A moose once bit my Python.

That would involve two sheds.

[sitchensis]

Thanks Crow,

I’ve used hydrogen peroxide on skulls, the problem I’m having is that I don’t want to bleach the antler at all. I would like the keep the deep brown color because it’s such a fresh shed. I’ll try the soap and water a few times hopefully it will work.

I know all about the rodent problem, I think this one was chewed on through the winter by a porcupine. It just chewed the tips off the palm and the shed really does look good.

[Musicat]

Why are antlers called "shed"? Why not "antlers"?

[Chefguy]

Originally Posted by Musicat

Why are antlers called "shed"? Why not "antlers"?

Local slang. And often, for moose and caribou, it's called moose or caribou horn rather than antler. Same thing, as it's all from the deer family.

[sitchensis]

Originally Posted by Musicat

Why are antlers called "shed"? Why not "antlers"?

I think it’s used to differentiate between animals you shot and sheds you picked up off the ground. I know shed collectors who are non-hunters that just like to have a purpose when hiking. I also know shed collectors who are hunters who like something to do out of season. Neither group would want to misrepresent their sheds as animals they killed.

[Morgenstern]

Vinegar? It works for many household odors. 1 cup of hot distilled vinegar might do it.

[MacLir]

Originally Posted by Morgenstern

Vinegar? It works for many household odors. 1 cup of hot distilled vinegar might do it.

Aaahhh ...

You DO realize that antler is mainly calcium carbonate, right?

Dissolves in acid ...

[CalMeacham]

"Hey Rocky -- Watch me pull an antler out of my shed!"

"That trick never works!"


"This time for sure! Presto!"

"No doubt about it. I gotta get a new head."