Mule Deer antlers + carving tips and info

[Big Foot Wood Carver]

Hello everyone!
I have recently found some beautiful antlers out on my rounds through the back yard. These antlers are very fresh. I cut a piece out to find that there was still some blood/ bone marrow and/or what have you in the center. I am new to carving. I would like to hollow out the center of the round pieces which are closest to the deers head when worn. I am looking to make an ocarina. Any tips and info is very much appreciated.
Carve onwards!

[squbrigg]

Antler carves best with power tools, Dremel, Foredom, etc. Use a coarse burr to hollow out the "fresh" section, and let dry. Do it outside or in an outbuilding, antler stinks when powercarving and wear a dust mask.

Bob

[woodpecker]

Yes,
be sure to wear a dust mask...as the antler dust once in your lungs, is there to stay! Power does work great, Iv'e done some belt buckles and bolo slide neck pieces from elk buttons ( the part that was attached to the elk's head)...It's a fun medium.....BUT, please wear the mask...

Woodpecker

[Big Foot Wood Carver]

Yeah i noticed that the antlers smelled very awful the minute i took the dremel tool to them. However i am ambitous and will make my wind instrument! I hope it becomes more than a whistle.. Also I have been working on a cedar mask which I will take a picture of one of these days to post on here. The mask is purely inspired by Ian Lungold and Carl Johan Calleman's 'The Transformation Of Consciousness'.
I am off to carve like there is no tomorrow!
watch the fingers, legs, pets, hands, and eyes, I have the tools out!

[Sam Nelson]

Ditto on wearing a mask.
Take Care
Sam

[stickman]

I read somewhere that if you soak it in warm water its soften up and is easier to carve.not sure if it was for hand carving or power carving or both .I think it said to soak it for an hour before carving. maybe you could expermint a little. Mike