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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Wood Grain Laminated Finish
- Sturdy Plaque
- Engraveable Plate
- Skull Cover That Can Be Formed to Most Horn Configurations
- 【European Mount Skull Hanger】If you are looking for an elegant, simple, and secure way to display your buffalo, moose, or cattle skull, then you need to try this antler shaped bracket, which is simple and effective way to showcase your European mounts.
- 【heavy Load】 The skull mount hanger is the strongest buffalo, elk, cattle, and moose skull mount bracket available, which easily support over 100 pounds so we have you covered no matter whether it's a buffalo, moose, or cattle skull.
- 【Invisible】 This deer skull mount is small, lightweight profile, which is easily hidden so the entire focus is on your skull and antlers without any distracting plaques or other pieces.
- 【Quick and Easy Installation】Just like hanging up a picture, it only requires one or two screw to hang.(Package contains expansion sleeves and screws)
- 【 After-sales Service】Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns about this deer skull hangers.We will reply your issue within 24 hours.
- Elegant Display Set: our offering that includes 3 exquisite deer antler mount kit, ideally meeting your display needs; It transforms walls into ideal displays while celebrating nature; The intricate craftsmanship ensures a striking focal point
- Quality Material: crafted from quality wood, this deer antler hanger combines robustness with elegance; The wood finish complements a variety of decoration designs, making it ideal for people and nature enthusiasts seeking a reliable display solution
- Ingenious Design: the sophisticated deer head antler mounting kit exudes elegance, ideally blending art and nature; Tailored for those who appreciate exquisite craftsmanship, it is the ideal addition to your collection, enhancing the decoration
- Easily Installation: this deer skull mount is user friendly setup for skill levels, allowing you to hang it on your wall in minutes; Suitable for antlers of various sizes, it's an ideal way to showcase your trophy for many hunting enthusiasts
- Ideal Dimensions: measuring about 11.81 x 5.91 x 0.59 inches, our deer antler decoration accommodate most antler dimensions, to provide an ideal display solution; The size is ideal for showing your antler mounts without dominating too much space
- 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 both up and down and left and right 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 (roughly a large deer sized skull and smaller) such as hogs, aoudad, 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
- Turkey Fan Mount Kit: The ultimate way to display your prized trophy! A simple to use premium DIY turkey hunting trophy kit for mounting turkey tail fans and whiskers that will add a unique touch to your home decor
- Solid Wood: Carefully crafted from solid acacia wood, this turkey fan mount set provides a durable and beautiful base for your trophy that will last for years, a timeless way to preserve and display your hunting memories
- Easy To Assemble: 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; Then hot glue the turkey whiskers into the slots on the bottom of the display board to create a beautiful taxidermy display board
- Package Includes: Turkey fan mount kit comes with everything you need to mount your fan and tail including instructions and mounting hardware. Assembled kit is approximately 12" x 8" x 2"
- Widely Applicable: We create mounting turkey plaque for North American species including Eastern, Osceola, Rio Grande, Merriam’s, and Gould’s turkeys
- Custom Engraved ABS Plastic Plate with Adhesive Backing
- Size: 1.25"x3"
- Engraved Antlers Included!
- Color: Brushed Gold with Black Engraved Letters
- Adhesive-Backed & Easy to Install!
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.