Biology And Management Of White-tailed Deer In Alabama

A method for removing jawbones that is easy, causes less mess,
and does not damage a mountable deer’s cape uses a set of long handled
pruning shears and a jawbone extractor. Metal handled shears usually
work better than wooden handled shears because they are slimmer and
are easier to fit into a deer’s mouth. Shears with longer blades are
much easier to use and cause less damage to the teeth cusps than shears
with short blades. A jawbone extractor can be made easily from a 48-
inch long piece of 5/16 or 3/8-inch cold-rolled steel or 1/4-inch stainless
steel (see APPENDIX 8, page 156). Jawbone extractors also can be
purchased from many forestry equipment suppliers, farm supply stores,
and sporting goods stores.
It is much easier to remove a jawbone using the extractor if the
deer’s head is still attached to the body and before the deer has had
time to stiffen up. To extract a jawbone, follow these steps:
Step 1 - With the deer’s nose
pointed up, insert the small end
of the extractor into the mouth
perpendicular (cross ways) to the
deer’s teeth. Rotate the tool and
pry the mouth open. This loosens
the jaw hinges in preparation
for removal. Once the mouth has
been opened, remove the extractor.
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