So you got your elk and now you are figuring out how to display it.
First of all, congratulations tag puncher!
Finding the right elk mount is no easy task – from preparing the animal for mounting to finding the right hangers and mounts for your trophy.
But with some guidance on types of elk mounts available and tips on creating beautiful shoulder or European displays, it can be done.
In this blog post we’ll explore all aspects of elk mount creation – from what kind of materials work best in different climates to popular brands offering quality solutions so that you can find exactly what works for your hunting needs.
Get ready to hang up that perfect elk mount.
Types of Elk Mounts
When it comes to elk mounts, there are three main types: shoulder mounts, European mounts, and shed mounts.
Shoulder mounts are the most popular type of mount because they showcase the full body of the animal in a lifelike pose. The taxidermist will skin and tan the hide before mounting it on a form that is shaped like an elk’s body. Horns or antlers can be added for extra realism.
European mounts are made from just the skull of an elk and its horns or antlers if available. To prepare a European mount, you must first boil off all flesh from the skull until only bone remains. You may then paint or whiten it for display purposes before attaching any horns or antlers you have collected from your hunt.
Here’s a helpful DIY euro mount video from the legendary hunter, Randy Newberg:
Shed Mounts are created using naturally shed antlers found in nature rather than those taken directly from an animal during hunting season.
These sheds can be mounted onto wood plaques with some basic tools such as screws and epoxy glue to create a unique wall-hanging piece that celebrates your successful hunt without having to take home a trophy kill each time you go out into nature.
From the traditional shoulder mount to the more modern European or shed mounts, there are many options available for displaying your elk. Now that you have a better understanding of these different types of mounts, let’s look at how to prepare an elk for a shoulder mount.
Preparing an Elk for a Shoulder Mount
Skinning and Cleaning the Hide. The first step in preparing an elk for a shoulder mount is to skin and clean off the hide.
This can be done with either a sharp knife or by using a special taxidermy tool called a fleshing machine. When skinning, it’s important to make sure that you don’t cut too deep into the hide as this could damage it beyond repair.
Once you have removed all of the fur, fat, and flesh from the hide, it should be washed thoroughly with warm water and soap before being hung up to dry completely.
Boiling the Skull. After cleaning and drying your elk’s hide, you will need to boil its skull in order to remove any remaining tissue or fat that may still be attached.
To do this, fill a large pot with enough water so that it covers the entire skull when submerged then bring it to a rolling boil over high heat on your stovetop for approximately two hours or until all of the tissue has been boiled away from the bone structure of your elk’s head.
Once the hide is properly prepared and cleaned, it’s time to move on to creating a European elk mount that will be sure to impress any outdoors enthusiast.
Creating an European Elk Mount
Preparing the Skull:
The first step in creating an European elk mount is to prepare the skull. This involves skinning and cleaning the hide, boiling the skull, and tanning the hide.
Skinning and cleaning should be done carefully to ensure that no damage is done to either the antlers or horns. Once this has been completed, it’s time to boil the skull.
Boiling helps remove any remaining flesh from around the bones so they can be properly mounted on a plaque or other form of display.
Finally, you’ll need to tan the hide with special chemicals designed for taxidermy work before mounting it onto your plaque or wall-mounted display piece.
Attaching Horns or Antlers:
After preparing and tanning your elk’s head, you will need to attach its horns or antlers onto a wooden base for mounting purposes. This process requires some skill as you must make sure that each horn is securely attached without damaging them in any way during installation.
You may also want to use epoxy glue if necessary for extra security when attaching them together at their bases before securing them into place on your plaque or wall-mounted display piece.
After creating your European Elk Mount, you can take it to the next level with the help of popular brands such as North American Taxidermy Supply Co., McKenzie Taxidermy Supply Co., and Van Dyke’s Taxidermy Supply Co. to ensure a quality finished product.
Popular Brands for Elk Mounts
North American Taxidermy Supply Co. is one of the most popular brands for elk mounts. They offer a wide selection of quality products, including antlers, horns, and taxidermy supplies.
Their customer service is excellent and they have been in business since 1978. North American Taxidermy Supply Co.’s products are made from high-quality materials that will last for years to come. They also provide detailed instructions on how to properly mount an elk head or shoulder mount with their products.
McKenzie Taxidermy Supply Co., another popular brand for elk mounts, has been providing customers with quality taxidermy supplies since 1965. They specialize in creating realistic replicas of animals using natural hides and fur as well as synthetic materials such as foam and resin.
McKenzie’s customer service team is knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to answering questions about their products or helping customers find what they need for their project.
Van Dyke’s Taxidermy Supply Co., founded in 1975, offers a variety of taxidermy supplies at competitive prices along with exceptional customer service support throughout the entire process from start to finish.
Van Dyke’s provides everything you need to create your own custom elk mount including antlers, horns, eyes, noses and ears plus all the tools needed to assemble them into a finished product that looks just like the real thing.
No matter which brand you choose when shopping for your next elk mount project, be sure to do some research first so you can make an informed decision based on price point versus quality and customer service ratings before making any purchases. Just like buying a gun safe or a hunting rifle, you get what you pay for.
After researching the various brands available for elk mounts, it’s time to move on to the next step: securely hanging your mount so that you can admire and enjoy it for years to come.
Hanging Your Elk Mount
Choosing a Hanger:
When it comes to hanging your elk mount, the most important thing is choosing the right hanger. There are several types of hangers available, including wall-mounted brackets and ceiling hooks.
Wall-mounted brackets are typically used for larger mounts and provide more stability than ceiling hooks.
However, if you have limited space or want to hang your mount higher up on the wall, then a ceiling hook may be better suited for your needs. Make sure that whatever type of hanger you choose can support the weight of your elk mount safely and securely.
Installing the Hanger:
Once you’ve chosen a suitable hanger for your elk mount, it’s time to install it onto the wall or other surface where you plan to hang it. If using a wall-mounted bracket, make sure that all screws are tightly secured into place before attempting to hang anything from them.
For ceiling hooks, use an appropriate drill bit size so that when drilling into drywall or wood studs there is no risk of damaging either material with too large of a hole size in comparison with screw length/diameter ratio being used.
After installing the hanger properly onto its designated surface area, it is now time to secure your elk mount onto said surface area via said installed hardware device (hanging bracket).
Depending on what type of mounting hardware was chosen by yourself will determine how exactly one would go about securing their prized trophy animal onto said mounted hardware device.
Generally speaking, always ensure proper placement prior to tightening down any bolts/screws etc., as once tightened down they cannot be undone without potentially damaging both item(s) being secured together (mount & mounting hardware).
FAQs in Relation to Elk Mount
How much does it cost to mount an elk?
The cost of mounting an elk can vary greatly depending on the size, species, and desired pose. Generally speaking, a shoulder mount of an average-sized bull elk will range from $500 to $1,000 or more.
This includes the cost of the taxidermist’s labor as well as materials such as mannequins and antlers. If you are looking for something more elaborate or unique, expect to pay even more.
Ultimately it is up to you how much you want to invest in your trophy; however, no matter what price tag comes with it – nothing beats having a beautiful reminder of your hunt.
How tall is an elk mount?
An elk mount typically stands between 4 and 5 feet tall, depending on the size of the animal. The antlers can add additional height to the overall display, with some specimens reaching up to 6 or 7 feet in total.
Elk mounts are a popular way for hunters and outdoors enthusiasts to commemorate their hunting trips and show off their prized trophies. They make great conversation pieces that will last for many years if properly cared for.
What is the difference between full sneak and semi sneak elk mount?
Full sneak elk mounts are designed to replicate the look of an elk in its natural environment. The antlers and head are mounted with the animal facing forward, as if it is walking or running away from a predator.
Semi sneak elk mounts feature the same pose but with the antlers and head turned slightly to one side, giving it a more relaxed appearance. Both types of mountings allow for greater realism when displaying your trophy on your wall or shelf.
How much does it cost for a European mount?
The cost of a European mount can vary greatly depending on the type of animal, the quality of the taxidermy work, and other factors.
Generally speaking, a basic European mount for a deer or elk will range from $100 to $200. For larger animals such as bears or moose, prices can be higher due to additional labor and materials needed for mounting.
Prices may also increase if you want custom features such as antlers mounted in an upright position or special wood bases added to your display.
Ultimately, the cost of a European mount will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
No matter which type of elk mount you choose, the process can be rewarding and enjoyable. From preparing your elk for a shoulder mount to creating an European Elk Mount or hanging it up on the wall, there are many steps involved in mounting an elk.
It’s important to do your research when selecting popular brands for elk mounts as well as hangers that will keep your prized trophy secure.
With some patience and dedication, you’ll have a unique, one-of-a-kind piece of art that will last forever and honor the beauty of your elk harvest.
