If fresh I do like the others cape it, clean off the meat, membrane and salt it. If I want to mount it without wrapping the skull cap, I wrap the cap with cotton baton and place in foil cake pan let it soak in 50/50 solution of Peroxide and water for a day or so.

If not fresh you will most likely have to boil it and I just use salt water. When boiling I make sure to wrap the anlter bases with alum. foil to prevent any discolouration on the pedicles or lower antler. Like TC stated do it outside!!!! I use a large water kettle (yard sale special..lol) and hot plate - a gentle boil is all you want. If you have to boil for extended periods make sure to check water level and keep it topped up.