One of the main problems is how to remove the antler and bone.  It
appears fine to the eye, but touch it and as Kathy said, "It's just
moosh!"  They have tried carefully digging all around it and lifting
it out in a chunk of dirt, but upon movement the antler begins to
crack into bits.  This problem is probably a result of last year's
flood which has kept the top levels of soil under greater moisture
than normal.
 
They will soon be closing the dig for the season, so any information
can be tried a little this year, but really put into action next
year.  Thank you for the storage info.  Now that they know the dig
has the antler and bone next year they can prepare from the beginning
for its treatment.  Of course, by next year the site may be drier
again.....
 
Connie Fairchild
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