Frequently Asked Questions
PRODUCT
Our skulls are cleaned, sanitized and hand prepped by Charles, our ranch manager. He carefully handles them through the boiling and cleaning process, making sure the various cavities are flushed out of any residual tissue, to ensure a hygienic end product.
The majority of our skulls are bleached. We use a hydrogen peroxide solution to obtain a brighter white colour and avoid bone damage. Some of our skulls are naturally field weathered. These would be off-white in colour.
Each skull is ethically and sustainably sourced at our ranch, through natural death or after harvest.
Bison horns are an integral and permanent part of the skull. Bison do not shed them annually like deer or moose – their horns grow and wear over time.
The black outer sheath of the horn covers a bone core. When processing the skull, we remove this sheath and shorten the bone for sanitizing purposes. The hollow sheath is then bonded back onto the bone protrusion.
A skull’s average weight is 6 to 8 pounds (3 to 4 kgs).
Acrylic paint is generally the medium of choice for the artists we work with. Acrylic is water based and can be quite versatile. Some artists varnish their pieces once completed to enhance the art.
CARE AND USE
Yes, our skulls come with a preinstalled custom steel wire which is looped through natural holes found in the back.
We recommend using our preinstalled custom steel wire and mounting the skull on a solid wall hook or bracket.
For artistic effect, you could also mount the skull to weathered barn wood or a beautiful custom wood plaque.
Although most of our painted skulls are varnished, their coating is not 100% waterproof and direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time may damage them. We recommend hanging these pieces indoors. Natural skulls may be displayed indoors or outdoors.
The best way to keep your skull beautiful for years to come is to to clean it with a soft duster.
SHIPPING
We currently ship with Canada Post/Purolator within North America (Canada and the United States) from our ranch located in Earlton, Ontario. International shipping is available upon request.
Our skulls are carefully bubble wrapped and shipped with Canada Post/Purolator in custom heavy duty cardboard boxes.
If you live in the Temiskaming area, you can save money and pick up your order at our ranch located in Earlton. When ordering online, choose the “Local pickup” option during checkout, and we will contact you to make arrangements once your order is ready.
Regular orders shipped with Canada Post/Purolator to Canada and the United States should arrive at destination within 10 business days.
SPECIAL REQUESTS
Yes, we do! Contact us at bisondunord@gmail.com with your special request.
Yes, although this is subject to availability. Contact us at bisondunord@gmail.com with your request.
We currently work with a select number of local Northern Ontario artists. We are always open to collaborating with new artists and welcome your proposals at bisondunord@gmail.com.