I cut the lower jaws off first thing, get 'em outta the way. I also cut open the base where the spinal cord would enter so there's a larger hole--helps to clean the brains out and gives you a mounting place easily. I, too, boil it multiple times--get things heated back up so they come off easier. Also, if/when whitening it by soaking it in peroxide, the small pieces of meat you couldn't get to should fall off rather easily with a hose and take away any bad odors.