There are a variety of ways to use deer antlers, which range from decorative and artistic pieces to educational uses. Decorative uses for deer antlers include making a coat rack or wall mounting antlers to be used as a rustic-style home decor.
As each antler is unique, many craft enthusiasts enjoy creating sculptures and jewelry pieces with them. They can also be clear-coated and used as table or door handles.
Educational purposes of deer antlers include studying the anatomy of deer antlers, using antler sheds as teaching specimens, and using them as an artistic medium in classes such as taxidermy and biology.
With some companies in the U. S. and Canada using antlers to make dog chew toys, daycare centers and elementary school classrooms also use them to teach children about the animal kingdom.
In addition to decorative and educational uses, deer antlers offer their own health benefits for humans. Deer antler velvet, which is a type of deer velveteen, is believed to have medicinal and regenerative qualities.
It is often used in supplement or herbal remedies to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, increase libido, and reduce stress.
Are deer antlers worth anything?
Yes, deer antlers are worth something, although their value will depend on the quality and condition of the antlers. For example, if the antlers are in good condition and have a lot of tines (or points) they may be worth more than antlers in poor condition or with fewer tines.
Antlers may also be valuable depending upon how rare they are. Whitetail deer antlers are the most common, so they will typically be worth less than elk or caribou antlers for example. Finally, the age of the antlers can play a role in their worth.
Older antlers with more character may be valued more than newer ones.
In general, the value of deer antlers will vary depending on the region, and there is no set amount that you can expect to get. Generally speaking, these antlers may fetch more money from crafters than from hunters, as craftsmen may be willing to pay a premium for them in order to use them in art projects or furniture.
However, antler sellers would be wise to research the going prices in their area to get a better estimate of their value.
How much is a set of antlers worth?
The price of a set of antlers will vary greatly and is largely dependent on the type and quality of the antlers. Antlers from large game species such as moose, deer, elk, and caribou tend to be more expensive than those from other species of animals.
The size of the antlers, the condition that they are in, and the species they come from will all factor into the final cost. On average, a set of antlers usually costs anywhere between $50 and $2,000, with prices varying significantly depending on the features already mentioned.
Antlers that are old and in good condition, particularly those from rare species of animals, can command very high prices. Artificially treated antlers with intricate designs and patterns can also command higher prices.
What to do with deer antlers after cutting?
Once you have harvested deer antlers by cutting them from the deer, there are many things that you can do with them. One popular use of antlers is to craft unique rustic decor. They can be used to make cabin-style furnishings including chandeliers, lamp shades, and coat racks.
Antlers can also be used to make decorative lamp stands, or to build rustic furniture such as end tables and coffee tables.
Another great way to use antlers is to create beautiful native-style artwork. For example, you can hollow out the antler and use it to fashion a bowl or vase. You can also turn antlers into one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces or mobiles.
If you are a hunter, you could also make use of antlers for taxidermy purposes. You could combine different antlers to create spectacular pieces that can be displayed on your wall or suspended from your ceiling.
Finally, some folks may choose to sell their deer antlers at craft shows or sell them online. Plenty of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are happy to purchase antlers for their own collections or for their crafting projects.
Can I give my dog a deer antler I found in the woods?
No, it is not recommended to give your dog a deer antler that you found in the woods. Even if the antler appears clean and undamaged, it is impossible to be certain that it is free from bacteria or other contaminants that could be harmful to your pet.
It could also be infected with parasites such as worms. Additionally, antlers can be sharp and cause cuts or other damage to your dog’s mouth or other internal organs that could potentially be fatal.
The safest option is to provide your dog with appropriate non-splintering chew toys that meet their chewing and playing needs.
How do you preserve deer antlers?
The best way to preserve deer antlers is to first lightly mist them with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. This will kill any surface bacteria. Next, allow the antlers to dry completely, preferably outdoors in the sunlight or in a dry, heated environment.
Once dry, apply a thin coat of a protective finish like clear lacquer, polyurethane, or tung oil. Allow this to dry completely and then reapply to ensure a good seal. If the antlers are for display, a coat of wax may also be applied to provide an aesthetically pleasing finish.
It is also important to store antlers in a cool, dry environment to ensure the longevity of their preservation.
Are deer antlers filled with blood?
Yes, deer antlers are filled with blood. The antlers are actually made up of a type of living tissue called vascular tissue, which is filled with blood vessels, so they are actively supplied with a flow of blood.
As the antlers grow during the mating season, they become hard and ridged as the supply of blood within them is cut off, allowing them to become solid and sturdy. The blood that supplies the antlers with nutrients also helps to protect them from any physical damage or disease.
The antlers eventually shed their velvet coating and the blood supply is restored. However, they will remain a unique type of living tissue with a constant supply of blood coursing through them, until they are shed approximately one year later.
Do you have to boil deer antlers for dogs?
No, it is not necessary to boil deer antlers for dogs. Deer antlers are actually a safe chew toy for dogs as they are naturally shed each year and are very durable. Dogs can easily break off pieces, making them potentially hazardous, however; if you are concerned you can boil them for five minutes in order to sterilize them before giving them to your pup.
Boiling can also make them softer and help release some of the marrow from inside, making them easier for your dog to digest. It’s important to note that antlers are not made to replace your pup’s regular diet.
Although they are a safe and natural chew toy, antlers should only be used as a treat and given in moderation.
How long does it take antlers to dry?
The amount of time it takes for antlers to dry will depend on a number of factors, including the size of the antlers and the environmental conditions. Generally, small antlers might take anywhere from 7-10 days to completely dry, while larger antlers or horns can take several weeks.
It is important that the antlers be stored in a cool, dry place during the drying process, and that they be turned periodically (every few days or so). If the antlers are being turned to prevent future warping, they can take even longer to dry.
Certain methods can be used to speed the process, such as spraying the antlers with water and then drying them with a fan, but it is important to be careful and to monitor the antlers for any signs of premature drying.
Never leave them to dry in direct sunlight or with other heat sources, as this can lead to warping or cracking.
How many inches do deer antlers shrink after drying?
It is difficult to give an exact answer to this question as the amount of shrinking antlers do after drying can vary significantly from animal to animal, as well as from season to season. Generally, most deer antlers will shrink by 5-6 inches after drying, though it could be more or less in some cases.
Factors such as age, diet, and severity of the drying process can all affect how much shrinking occurs. Additionally, some antlers will not shrink at all, particularly on younger deer. Ultimately, the amount of shrinkage that occurs in deer antlers after drying is largely dependent on each individual deer and the conditions in which their antlers were dried.
How do you prepare antlers for mounting?
Preparing antlers for mounting is a process that requires some skill and knowledge. Here are the steps you should follow to successfully prepare antlers for mounting:
1. Make sure you are working in a well-ventilated area and wear safety glasses, gloves and a dust mask.
2. Use a hacksaw to remove any unwanted pedicle growth and cut off the sinews that connect the antlers to the skull. Use a file or power sander to smooth out the jagged edges.
3. Use fine-grade steel wool to clean off any loose debris and dirt from the antlers. This will also help to whiten the color of the antlers.
4. Carefully mount the antlers on the plaque or mount. For bigger antlers, you may need to use screws and brackets.
5. Use an epoxy sealer or glue around the base of the antlers to securely attach them to the plaque. Allow the sealer to dry completely before moving the antlers.
6. Use fine steel wool to polish the antlers and restore the natural color and sheen.
7. Hang your mounted antlers and enjoy!
Where do you hang antlers?
Antlers can be hung in a variety of places, depending on the style you’re going for and the size of the antlers. For a rustic, country-style look, antlers can be hung directly on walls. Depending on the size and weight of the antlers, it might be necessary to use wall anchors to secure them.
For smaller antlers, you can hang them from a coat rack or mounted shelf. Antlers can also be hung from the ceiling, either from their own hook or from a collection of hooks. You can also mount them to a piece of driftwood or a large branch for a more eclectic look.
Finally, you can set antlers atop a bookcase, mantel, or piece of furniture as a decorative accent.
How do you attach antlers to a wall?
Attaching antlers to a wall is a straightforward process, but it does require specific materials and tools. Here are the steps:
1. Start by selecting the antlers that you want to mount on the wall. Make sure that they are stable and will not move around easily.
2. Gather the supplies for the project. You will need two short screws, wall anchors, a drill (preferably battery-operated with a Phillips bit), a level, marking pencil, and a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw.
3. Mark the mounting area on the wall that indicates where the antlers will be placed. Use the level to make sure the mounting area is perfectly straight.
4. Drill into the marked area using the smaller drill bit. Place the drill bit perpendicular to the wall and firmly drill in the holes, using slow and steady pressure.
5. Place the wall anchors into the drilled holes and use the screwdriver to tighten them into place.
6. Place the antlers onto the wall and attach them with the screws. Make sure they are placed firmly and securely.
7. Allow the antlers to dry before hanging any decor items from them.
Now you are ready to enjoy your new wall art!
How do you clean deer antlers without boiling them?
Cleaning deer antlers without boiling them can be done by hand. Start by giving them a good scrub with a stiff brush and warm soapy water to remove surface dirt and debris. The warm, soapy water will also help to loosen and soften any hard dirt and grime that has built up on the antlers.
Allow the antlers to dry completely, then use some fine sandpaper and sand the antlers to get rid of any imperfections and dull spots. You can follow this up with a gentle cloth or brush to lightly work in some mineral oil.
This will help to keep the antlers from cracking or breaking and will also add some shine. Lastly, use a soft cloth to give the antlers a light buff and you’ll be ready to display them.
