Found the deadhead of one my of target bucks. Died in September 2021. White but not chalky yet. I’ve seen people use various wood stains or rub in dirt and coffee. Just seeing if anyone here has done something similar.

Linseed oil works well.

I've used wood stain before. It works fine, I used a very light color.

I have no pics of the mule deer sheds I've done but this elk was a deadhead I did using pine tar(pitch) and dirt and rubbed with cedar and pine branches.
Takes time but looks pretty natural.
Deer are easier.
Potassium permanganate works very well too.

I usually use old English scratch cover. Bonus, you can use it to repair scratches in your wood floors and tables.