I have been seeing this on some of my mounts too, although I must have been hoping the skulls would not split completely - now that would be a headache (in more ways than one ). I don't know the answer to your question, but what about asking over on the taxidermy forum?? I'd be interested in knowing the answer as well, so if you get one, be sure to cross-post, will ya? Maybe the skull got boiled a tad much when it was prepared? I have also heard of people soaking their skulls in a glue/water mixture as part of the preparation, maybe that makes them stick together better?
- mike

Hi there

I find that some of mine have initially shown similar signs. I just use a superglue to keep the lower pieces attaced. It is unlkely thta the whole skull will split though as they are generally well fused from between the eyes, upto the top of the cranium.

FB

Use elmers glue to fix it. It will dry clear and not show up. On the skulls I have done this to it has prevented any further progress along the crack.

I also shot a stag last year. The mount was prepared (boiled, cleaned and bleached) at once and has been hanging in my office since. I work in forestry so trophies are common sights The building gets very warm during summer but the mount has held together without problems. I would guess that your mount was "over-cooked" and that this is the cause of it cracking. Glue it to stop the crack spreading, or if the damage is severe, use epoxy and maybe a fiber-glass net on the inside.

Thanks guys, will remove skull from plaque and glue it from the inside then screw it back w/out tightening too much. Maybe I can just shoot another (bigger) stag and save me some trouble?!
By the way, how can you tell when it is being 'overcooked'? I don't think I will test it with a toothpick...

You can also use a mix of PVC glue and bone powder from the cutting process which sets to be the exact colour of the skull.

As far as over cooking, you just need to watch the cartlidge in the fissures between the bones, don't let it get too soft and the mount should last.

You should keep the time that you boil the skull as short as possible to avoid separation of the bones. Use a small knife, a spoon etc to scrape away the meat as soon as you can.

Cook very short and use then a high pressure cleaner. That is the best way get the skull clean within the half time.

And you get it cleaner as you can do with a brush, knife or anything else.
Don't worry, the skull will not be damaged.

The only disadvantage is that you are also wet afterwards.

BR