You should be able to get the hide off from around the burrs fairly easy. Just make a cut in it to the burrs, and pry it off with a screwdriver. If that doesn't work, then it will come off when you simmer it.
1.So... once you have it as clean as you can (eyes out, brains out, bottom jaw off, then you are ready to simmer.
2.Get some Sal Soda (Arm & Hammer Washing soda (not baking soda) and add it to the water. This will turn the flesh into a jelly like substance, and makes it much easier and faster to remove.
3.Do not let the water get to a boil, just a simmer. Boiling will damage the bone, and cook grease into the bone. Simmer the skull for 20 minutes at a time. Pull the skull out, and go to work with a knife, pliers or whatever, and get off as much flesh as you can. (sometimes the cartledge in the nasal pasage is difficult to remove. It becomes very soft and will not come out in one piece. It is sometimes easier to wait until it dries, and then just break it off).
4. Once the skull is cleaned of flesh, immediately wash it in soapy, hot water with Dawn detergent. Then soak the skull for at least a weak in Dawn detergent water, changin the water daily. This will remove any grease in the skull.
5. Once skull is degreased, use 40% peroxide mixed with whitening powder (both of these can be purchased at a beauty supply store). Mix in to a paste and cover the skull with it. Pour peroxide down the nasal cavity. Wrap the skull in clear plastic, and place next to a heat source. If it is warm out, just set it in the sun. If not, put near a floor heater for several hours, changing the position of it every once in a while. The peroxide mix is heat activated.
6.Wash off all the bleaching agent and let dry. Once dry seal with a clear spray (I use a matte finish, bu depends on what you prefer).
7.If the antlers were bleached at all, touch up with mini-wax aged oak stain.
