Embark on a captivating adventure in taxidermy by mastering the intricacies of a European mount deer. This ancient technique, originating in the heart of Europe, has transcended time to grace the walls of seasoned hunters and nature enthusiasts alike. Prepare to unveil the secrets behind transforming a deer’s skull into an enduring testament to the thrill of the chase, adding a touch of rustic charm to your home or hunting lodge.
As you embark on this journey, gather the necessary tools and materials. A European mount deer requires a sharp knife, a hacksaw, sandpaper, and a degreaser, along with a degreasing solution and a whitening agent. Patience and meticulous attention to detail will be your steadfast companions throughout the process. Begin by carefully removing the skull from the deer’s body, severing the spinal cord at the base of the skull. Gently detach the antlers and preserve them separately.
Next, meticulously clean the skull by removing all remaining flesh and membranes. Employ a sharp knife to delicately scrape away any stubborn tissue, taking care not to damage the delicate bone structure. Once the skull is free of debris, submerge it in a degreasing solution for a duration of several days or even weeks, depending on the size of the skull. This process will effectively dissolve any lingering fats or oils, leaving the skull pristine and ready for the next stage.
Adding Antlers (Optional)
If you have the deer’s antlers, you can attach them to the skull plate to complete the European mount. Here’s how:
Materials You’ll Need:
| Material | Description |
|---|---|
| Antlers | The deer’s antlers, cleaned and prepared. |
| Epoxy | A strong, waterproof adhesive. |
| Clamps | To hold the antlers in place while the epoxy cures. |
| Drill | To create pilot holes for the epoxy. |
| Drill bit | The same diameter as the epoxy you are using. |
| Sandpaper | To smooth the surface of the antlers. |
Instructions:
- Prepare the Antlers: Clean the antlers thoroughly and sand any rough edges. Remove any burrs or sharp points.
- Drill Pilot Holes: Use the drill to create small pilot holes in the antlers and the skull plate. The holes should be the same diameter as the epoxy you are using.
- Apply Epoxy: Apply a generous amount of epoxy to the pilot holes in both the antlers and the skull plate.
- Position the Antlers: Align the antlers with the skull plate and carefully insert them into the pilot holes.
- Clamp the Antlers: Use clamps to firmly hold the antlers in place while the epoxy cures. Make sure the antlers are in the desired position.
- Allow the Epoxy to Cure: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the epoxy you are using. Most epoxies require 24-48 hours to cure completely.
- Remove the Clamps: Once the epoxy has cured, remove the clamps. Check the bond between the antlers and the skull plate to ensure it is secure.
- Sand and Finish: If necessary, sand the base of the antlers to smooth any rough edges. You can also apply a clear varnish or paint to protect the antlers and give them a finished look.
Tips:
* Use high-quality epoxy that is specifically designed for bone-to-bone adhesion.
* Be precise when drilling the pilot holes to ensure a strong bond.
* Allow ample time for the epoxy to cure to avoid the antlers becoming loose.
* If you are unsure about any step, consult with a professional taxidermist for assistance.
Professional European Mounts
Professional European mounts are a beautiful and unique way to display your deer. They are a popular choice for hunters who want to commemorate their successful hunt, and they can also be a valuable addition to any home or office décor. However, professional European mounts can be expensive, so it is important to do your research before you choose a taxidermist.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a professional European mount taxidermist:
- Experience: Make sure the taxidermist has experience in creating European mounts.
- Portfolio: Ask the taxidermist to show you photos of their past work. This will give you an idea of their quality of work and their style.
- Price: Get a quote from the taxidermist before you decide to hire them. This will help you budget for the cost of the mount.
- Timeframe: Ask the taxidermist how long it will take to complete the mount. This will help you plan for when you will have your mount.
Once you have chosen a taxidermist, you will need to prepare your deer for mounting. This involves skinning the deer and removing the skull. The taxidermist will then clean the skull and prepare it for mounting.
The following steps outline the process of creating a professional European mount:
- Skin the deer. Make a cut down the belly of the deer from the chest to the tail. Then, make cuts around the legs and neck. Carefully remove the skin from the body.
- Remove the skull. Cut around the base of the skull with a sharp knife. Then, carefully remove the skull from the body.
- Clean the skull. Remove any remaining meat and tissue from the skull. Then, wash the skull with soap and water.
- Prepare the skull for mounting. The taxidermist will prepare the skull for mounting by removing any excess bone or tissue. They will also seal the skull to prevent it from rotting.
- Mount the skull. The taxidermist will mount the skull on a plaque or other mount. They will then attach the antlers to the skull.
- Finish the mount. The taxidermist will finish the mount by applying a sealant to the skull and antlers. They may also add other decorative elements, such as a nameplate or a painting.
Here are some additional tips for creating a professional European mount:
- Use a sharp knife. A sharp knife will make it easier to skin the deer and remove the skull.
- Be careful not to damage the skull. The skull is the most important part of the mount, so be careful not to damage it when you are skinning the deer or removing the skull.
- Follow the taxidermist’s instructions. The taxidermist will provide you with instructions on how to prepare your deer for mounting. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully to ensure that your mount is done properly.
Table 1: Estimated Cost of a Professional European Mount
| Size of Deer | Cost |
|---|---|
| Small (up to 100 lbs.) | $300-$500 |
| Medium (100-200 lbs.) | $500-$700 |
| Large (200+ lbs.) | $700-$900 |
The cost of a professional European mount will vary depending on the size of the deer, the complexity of the mount, and the taxidermist’s fees. It is important to get a quote from the taxidermist before you decide to hire them.
Materials You’ll Need
• Skull cap of the deer
• Sharp knife
• Saw
• Drill
• Wood screws
• Epoxy
• Sandpaper
• Wood stain or paint (optional)
• Clear coat (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Remove the skull cap. Use a sharp knife to cut around the base of the skull cap. Be careful not to cut into the brain cavity.
2. Clean the skull cap. Remove any remaining flesh or tissue from the skull cap. You can use a knife, saw, or drill to do this.
3. Drill holes for the wood screws. Drill two holes in the back of the skull cap, one on each side. The holes should be big enough to fit the wood screws.
4. Saw off the antlers. If the deer has antlers, you will need to saw them off. Use a saw to cut the antlers at the base.
5. Sand the skull cap. Sand the skull cap smooth with sandpaper.
6. Stain or paint the skull cap (optional). You can stain or paint the skull cap any color you like.
7. Apply clear coat (optional). You can apply a clear coat to the skull cap to protect it.
8. Attach the skull cap to the wood. Attach the skull cap to the wood using the wood screws.
9. Display your European mount. You can display your European mount on a wall, shelf, or in a display case.
European Mounts of Other Animals
European mounts can be made from the skull caps of any animal, not just deer. Some popular animals for European mounts include elk, moose, caribou, antelope, and sheep. The process for making a European mount of another animal is similar to the process for making a European mount of a deer. However, there are a few minor differences.
Elk
Elk skulls are larger than deer skulls, so you will need to use larger wood screws and a larger saw to make a European mount of an elk. You may also need to use a drill to make holes for the wood screws.
Moose
Moose skulls are even larger than elk skulls, so you will need to use even larger wood screws and a larger saw to make a European mount of a moose. You may also need to use a drill to make holes for the wood screws.
Caribou
Caribou skulls are similar to deer skulls in size, but they have longer antlers. You will need to saw off the antlers at the base before you can make a European mount of a caribou.
Antelope
Antelope skulls are smaller than deer skulls, so you will need to use smaller wood screws and a smaller saw to make a European mount of an antelope. You may also need to use a drill to make holes for the wood screws.
Sheep
Sheep skulls are the smallest of all the animals that are commonly used for European mounts. You will need to use very small wood screws and a very small saw to make a European mount of a sheep. You may also need to use a drill to make holes for the wood screws.
Tips
Here are a few tips for making a European mount:
• Use a sharp knife and saw to make clean cuts.
• Be careful not to cut into the brain cavity.
• Drill holes for the wood screws before you attach the skull cap to the wood.
• Use epoxy to secure the skull cap to the wood.
• Sand the skull cap smooth before you stain or paint it.
• Apply a clear coat to the skull cap to protect it.
How To Do A European Mount Deer
A European mount is a type of taxidermy that preserves the skull and antlers of an animal. It is a popular way to display the trophy of a successful hunt. European mounts are often used as decorative pieces in homes and offices, and they can also be used as educational tools.
If you are interested in doing a European mount deer, there are a few things you will need to do.
1.
Gather your materials.
You will need the following materials to do a European mount deer:
* Skull of a deer
* Antlers of a deer
* Wood plaque
* Glue
* Screws
* Drill
* Saw
2.
Prepare the skull.
The first step is to prepare the skull. This involves removing all of the flesh and tissue from the skull. You can do this by boiling the skull in water or by using a fleshing tool.
3.
Prepare the antlers.
Once the skull is prepared, you need to prepare the antlers. This involves removing the velvet from the antlers and sanding them smooth.
4.
Mount the skull and antlers.
The next step is to mount the skull and antlers on the wood plaque. You can do this by using glue or screws.
5.
Finish the mount.
Once the skull and antlers are mounted, you can finish the mount by sealing it with a clear finish. This will help to protect the mount from the elements.
People Also Ask
What is the difference between a European mount and a shoulder mount?
A European mount is a type of taxidermy that preserves the skull and antlers of an animal. A shoulder mount is a type of taxidermy that preserves the entire head and shoulders of an animal.
How much does it cost to do a European mount deer?
The cost of doing a European mount deer will vary depending on the size of the deer and the complexity of the mount. However, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for a basic European mount.
How long does it take to do a European mount deer?
The time it takes to do a European mount deer will vary depending on the size of the deer and the complexity of the mount. However, you can expect to spend between 4 and 8 hours on a basic European mount.
