The head of a deer or an elk can be a beautiful addition to a cabin or home, but before you hang it on the wall, you’ll need to preserve it. Preserving your deer or elk head takes some time, but the process is relatively easy and only requires a few supplies.
Here’s how to preserve your deer or elk head.
Our Editor’s Best Hunting Trophy Mounts Reviews
- SUPPORTS UP TO 20 LBS - The HME Trophy Mounts are robust and capable of supporting up to 20 pounds of weight; This impressive weight capacity means you can confidently display a variety of trophies, including antlers, skulls, or other hunting mementos
- CONSTRUCTION - These mounts are constructed from heavy gauge steel, ensuring their strength and durability; The mounts are machined with precision and care, resulting in a burr-free finish - your trophies will be safely secured without the risk of damage
- SATIN EPOXY FINISH - The mounts feature a satin epoxy finish, which not only adds a touch of elegance but also provides protection against corrosion and wear; This finish maintains the mount's appearance and ensures it continues to look great over time
- MULTIPLE FASTENING OPTIONS - You can choose from two fastening options, making it versatile for different mounting situations; The mounts can be attached using either a post or a dry-wall fastener, allowing you to select the method that works best for you
- PACKAGE - Whether you want to showcase a single trophy or create an eye-catching display with multiple trophies, HME offers these mounts in both single and double packs; Each HME Trophy Mount comes complete with all the necessary mounting hardware
- MOUNT YOUR OWN TROPHY - By mounting your own trophy, you save money and get it up on the wall faster; Hunters Specialties Turkey Tail & Beard Mounting Kit is perfect for any turkey species and will be the best choice for any hunter
- EASY TO ASSEMBLE - Turkey Tail & Beard trophy mount kit from Hunters Specialties is very easy to assemble; The kit comes with a mounting plaque, a brass nameplate, and includes all mounting hardware and easy-to-follow instructions
- TAIL MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS - Place the dried turkey tail on the back of the top plaque; Make sure the fan is centered and straight; Next, lay the retaining plate across the base of the tail and secure it in place with the two screws provided
- BEARD MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS - The beard of the turkey mounts in the slot located at the bottom of the plaque; It is held in position with either hot melt glue or a silicone adhesive (not included into package)
- HUNTERS SPECIALTIES - They say craftsman is only as good as his tools; We believe the same holds true for hunters; That's why we make purpose-driven hunting tools that stand up to any conditions and are guaranteed to work when you need them to
- Sport Type: Hunting
- Wood Plaque
- Hunters Specialties Deer Antler Mounting Kit
- Easy To Use
- THREE BEARD MOUNTING PLAQUE - The ultimate way to display your prized trophies! An easy, do-it-yourself turkey fan and beard mounting kit that allows you to add an undeniable touch of class to your home's decor
- CONSTRUCTION - The natural oak finish plaque has a laser engraved gobbler in full strut featured on the front and is designed to easily hold the tail fan, beard and spurs from one turkey. Optional hooks are included to mount an additional two beards
- EASY TO ASSEMBLE - The Hunters Specialties H.S. Strut Three Beard Mounting Plaque is so easy to install - just use the screws it includes and you're ready to go! No need for any assembly or modification of the skull
- WHAT'S INCLUDED - You will get optional hooks that are included to showcase two additional beards, laser engraved strutting gobbler on the main panel, engrave-able brass name plate, detailed mount instructions. Pictured fan, beard and spurs not included
- FOR TURKEY HUNTER - You've done the hard work, so now it's time to display your turkey hunting prowess! This plaque is the elegant, simple and secure way to display your trophies without the hassle of changing them out frequently
- STURDY AND SLEEK DESIGN - This sturdy and sleek floor display allows for complete customization of your trophy display; the trophy tree will take advantage of unused areas within an office or living room
- DESIGNED FOR SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED HEADS - The Trophy Tree is designed for a variety of small to medium sized heads from around the world; align heads vertically or stagger them from top to bottom
- POWDER COATED STEEL CONSTRUCTION - This Trophy Tree Display is constructed of strong powder coated steel to serve you as long as needed; the Trophy tree is sold with 5 arm/prong attachments
- CUSTOMIZABLE - The customization options are nearly endless! The Trophy Tree's pole stands nearly 6 feet high (five poles included) and each of its sections allows for 360 degree viewing angles with varied heights
- DISPLAY YOUR MEMORIES PROUDLY - This unique mounting system is a great way to get a professional display of your trophy that you are proud of. The Skull Hooker mounting system comes complete with all necessary hardware to securely display your trophy
- SLEEK DESIGN - The Little Hooker is a sleek and streamline approach to hanging small to mid-sized European trophies; the Little Hooker is completely customizable to provide the perfect up right and natural presentation of your trophy
- FOR SMALLER GAME - The Little Hooker skull hanger is designed specifically for smaller game such as hogs, alligator, black bear, cougar, deer, antelope and exotic medium game such as gazelle, impala and many more trophy game species worldwide
- POWDER COATED STEEL CONSTRUCTION - Constructed of strong powder coated steel and offered in two striking colors (Robust Brown and Graphite Black); parts included: wall plate(1), arm(1), prong(1) and all necessary hardware
- NO DAMAGE - The Little Hooker requires no drilling or damage to your skull as the prong fits securely and naturally into the back of the skull. *Skull cannot be cut or altered around the natural hole or cervical joint at the back of the skull
- QUALITY MATERIALS - Skull Hooker mounts are made from quality metals and have a powder coat finish. Designed to fasten your mount securely so that you can enjoy your trophy without worry
- COMMEMORATE YOUR GLORY Prey Display Rack: These one-of-a-kind European plaques let you remember the details of your trophy deer for years to come. Proudly display your name, date taken, county of harvest.
- WALL DECORATION Prey Display Rack: Every Stand has a story to show off for their beautiful animals and what better way to do it than with this stunning piece! This is the perfect gift for any occasion and looks great on the wall.
- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL Prey Display Rack: This retro charming metal antler bow stand can be used not only as your home decoration, but also as a bow stand. Of course, you can also put some other things on it. Make it look like you beat the deer.
- Prey Display Rack: Are you looking for a way to showcase your European mounts? This is a solid wood shelf with a burnt and stained flag design to hold your trophies for everyone to enjoy. Note: Deer skulls are not included. (excluding the deer skull in the picture)
- PERFECT GIFT Prey Display Rack: This is the perfect gift for hunters, dad, grandfather! Made of high quality wood material. The packaging does not have the deer skull in the picture.
- Designed for Small Game Trophies: Perfectly suited for young deer, antelope, bear, wolf, and other small-sized game, providing a secure and elegant display for your cherished trophies.
- Heavy-Duty Welded Construction: Built with a solid 1/4" steel prong that supports up to 50 pounds, offering superior strength and durability over cheap bent sheet metal hangers.
- Easy and Secure Installation: Features a simple one-screw setup with no skull modifications required; just slide your trophy over the prong for a quick and hassle-free display.
- Proudly Made in the USA: Expertly handcrafted in Laramie, Wyoming, showcasing exceptional American craftsmanship and ensuring long-lasting quality.
- Elegant Oil-Rubbed Bronze Finish: The sophisticated finish enhances any décor, making it an attractive addition to your home, office, or hunting lodge while honoring the beauty of your trophy.
- DURABLE MOUNT OPTIONS - Get those old skull plates hanging in the shed and boldly display them like they deserve with the Skull Hooker Bone Bracket; the fully adjustable arm allows you to move the mount up, down, left and right for the perfect upright, natural look
- POWDER-COATED CONSTRUCTION - Durable powder-coated steel securely hangs skull-capped trophies up to 20 lbs; includes instructions for exceptionally easy installation; parts included: wall plate(1), arm(1), skull plate adapter(1), skull cap(1) and all necessary hardware
- GET THE PERFECT ANGLE - Dress up those sawed off skull plates with Skull Hooker’s new Skull Cap; this inexpensive cover will provide a cleaner look to all those skull plated trophies; rotates 180° with 4 tilt settings for the perfect presentation of your skull
- DESIGNED FOR CUT SKULLS - The Bone Bracket/Skull Cap Combo is designed for small to mid-sized species such as deer and antelope sized skull plates; for caribou, elk and larger species see the XXL Bone Bracket which is designed for larger and heavier game species; the Skull Cap can be utilized with or without the Bone Bracket hanging bracket
- DISPLAY YOUR MEMORIES PROUDLY - This unique mounting system is a great way to get a professional display of your trophy that you are proud of. The Skull Hooker mounting system comes complete with all necessary hardware to securely display your trophy
Best Hunting Trophy Mounts Buying Guide
Before choosing the best hunting trophy mount you should consider following options:
1. Size and Weight: This is a crucial factor that you should consider. The heavier your mount is, the sturdier it will be, which is one of the benefits of having a heavy mount.
However, that doesn’t mean that if you want a lighter mount, you should avoid heavy mounts. You can always choose a heavy mount and have it reinforced with steel bars and rods.
The size of your mount also matters because you want to have your mount placed in an area where people can easily view it. Note that the smaller the size, the easier it will be to display the mount.
2. The pose: This refers to the position of the animal that you shoot. A good pose could be when the animal is standing, lying down, or jumping.
It can also depend on the environment you shot the animal in. For example, if you shot the animal on a plain, you can have it in a standing pose.
On the other hand, if you shot the animal in a swamp, you can have it in a lying down pose.
3. Location of Harvest: Hunting trophies should be displayed in an area where they can be viewed easily. For example, you don’t want to have your mount in an area where people can’t reach it.
This means that if you want to have your mount in a room where no one can view it, then you should avoid having a small mount.
You can also have your mount in an area where it will be exposed to sunlight or not. The choice is entirely up to you.
4. Quality and Detail: Quality and detail are two important factors that should be considered when it comes to hunting trophies. The details of your mount can depend on the pose you have chosen.
The pose you have chosen will determine the amount of detail that your mount will have. For example, a standing pose will have more detail than a lying down pose.
If you choose to have a portrait pose, then there won’t be much detail on the animal. Generally, the more details that your mount has, the more expensive it will be.
5. Cost: The cost of your mount will depend on a variety of factors. The size, pose, and amount of detail that your mount will have are some of the factors that will determine the cost.
Other factors that will affect the cost of your mount include the quality of the materials you choose, location of harvest, and the taxidermist of your choice.
You need to make sure that you choose a taxidermist that will be able to deliver the type of mount that you want at an affordable price.
Generally, the cost of your mount will be higher if the pose that it has is detailed.
What else you should know about hunting trophy mounts
1. What is the process of mounting a trophy?
To mount a trophy, first find a level surface on which to work. Next, using a tape measure, find the center of the surface and mark it with a pencil. Next, using a hammer and nail, make a small starter hole at the center mark. Next, using a screwdriver, screw in a large screw at the starter hole. Finally, using a wire hanger, make a hook at the end of the screw. Your trophy is now mounted!
2. What are the most popular trophy animals to hunt?
The most popular trophy animals to hunt are deer, elk, and moose.
3. How can I ensure my mount will last a long time?
There are a few things you can do to help ensure your mount lasts a long time:
1. Keep it clean – clean your mount regularly with a soft cloth and mild soap to remove dirt and grime.
2. Keep it dry – avoid getting your mount wet as much as possible. If it does get wet, dry it off as soon as possible to prevent water damage.
3. Store it properly – when you’re not using your mount, store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
4. What are some creative ideas for displaying my trophy?
Some creative ideas for displaying a trophy include propping it up on a bookshelf, displaying it on a mantelpiece, or setting it on a coffee table.
5. What are the most common mistakes made when mounting a trophy?
The most common mistakes made when mounting a trophy are not following the specific instructions on the plaque, not using the right type of screws, nails or adhesives, and not taking the time to measure and level the trophy before mounting it.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best hunting trophy mounts. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best hunting trophy mounts will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.