Bear Bonez Beetle Cleaning

Taxidermist in Wasilla, Alaska

(907) 775-5643, Wasilla, AK 99654View on Yelp
Bear Bonez Beetle Cleaning - taxidermy in Wasilla, AK

About Bear Bonez Beetle Cleaning

Bear Bonez Beetle Cleaning in Wasilla, Alaska brings a specialized focus to one of taxidermy's most in-demand services: professional skull cleaning. The Matanuska-Susitna Valley is prime territory for bear, moose, and caribou hunters who want a clean, well-preserved skull as their display piece. Wasilla's location off the Parks Highway makes it a natural hub for hunters heading into or returning from the Alaska Range. This studio's name leaves no question about what they do best.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

The core service here is dermestid beetle cleaning, a biological process where colonies of flesh-eating beetles strip a skull down to clean, white bone without the damage that boiling can cause. This method is particularly well-suited for delicate skull structures, including bear skulls with their complex sinus cavities and fine nasal bones. Beyond basic skull cleaning, the studio likely handles antler mounting and possibly full European mounts, which present the cleaned skull and antlers together as a finished wall display. Hunters with brown bear, black bear, or even wolverine skulls will find this type of specialist shop especially useful.

Service Area

Bear Bonez Beetle Cleaning serves Wasilla and the surrounding Mat-Su Borough, including Palmer, Houston, and Big Lake. Hunters coming through from Talkeetna or the Parks Highway corridor stop here regularly. Anchorage-area customers also make the drive up the Parks Highway when they want a dedicated specialist rather than a generalist shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is dermestid beetle cleaning and why is it preferred?
Dermestid beetles are a species of flesh-eating insects that naturally strip meat from bone without damaging the skeletal structure. Unlike boiling, which can weaken bone and discolor teeth, beetle cleaning preserves the skull's natural color and integrity, which matters if you're submitting for record books.
How long does it take to clean a brown bear skull with beetles?
A brown bear skull typically takes two to four weeks in an active beetle colony, depending on how much tissue is present and the colony's current size. Skulls with more flesh take longer, so having the skull skinned and as clean as possible before drop-off speeds things up.
Do I need to do anything to the skull before bringing it in?
Remove as much meat as you safely can without cutting into the bone, and freeze the skull if you can't bring it in immediately. Don't boil or bleach it beforehand, as that can damage the bone and interfere with the beetle cleaning process.
Can beetle cleaning be used for fish or bird skulls?
Yes, though small and fragile skulls require more careful handling and a well-managed colony to avoid over-cleaning. Bird skulls in particular are very delicate, so it's worth discussing with the studio whether beetles are the right approach or if maceration would be a better fit.
Will beetle cleaning affect my skull's eligibility for Boone and Crockett scoring?
Proper beetle cleaning actually preserves scoring eligibility better than boiling because it doesn't alter the bone structure or loosen teeth. Just make sure the skull is dried and seasoned for the required 60-day period before official scoring, as per Boone and Crockett rules.
Can you mount the skull on a plaque after cleaning?
Most skull cleaning specialists also offer European mount finishing, which attaches the cleaned skull to a wooden shield or antler panel for wall display. It's a clean, modern look that a lot of Alaskan hunters prefer over traditional full skin mounts.

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