Types of Deer Mount Ideas and How to Pose Them
As a deer hunter, you know the anticipation as you attract and wait for your prey to appear, the adrenaline rush as you aim, and the sense of pride and accomplishment when you bag your trophy buck. It’s a moment that represents your skill and patience, a connection to the natural world, and a rich hunting heritage.
But the hunt is just the beginning. Once you’ve taken down your big game using your broadheads, you want to preserve the memory and showcase your success to the world. That’s where different deer mount ideas come to your mind. Each mount has its unique style and flair, allowing you to capture the essence of your hunting experience.
In this article, we’ll look closer at the different types of deer mounts available and explore how to pose them for maximum impact. We understand that every hunter has their preferences, whether it’s a traditional, rustic look or a modern, contemporary vibe.
That’s why we’re here to help you find the perfect mount to celebrate your hard-earned trophy and capture the emotions of the hunt.
What is a Deer Mount?
A deer mount is a taxidermy display of a deer’s head and antlers, often used as a decorative item in hunting lodges, cabins, and homes. Creating a deer mount involves removing the skin from the head and antlers, preserving the skin with chemicals, and then mounting it on a form to recreate the appearance of the deer’s head and antlers.
This allows hunters to display their trophy deer in a lifelike manner, preserving the memory of the hunt for years to come. Deer mounts can vary in style and complexity, from simple shoulder mounts to full-body mounts, and can be customized to reflect the hunter’s preferences and tastes.
What are the Choices?
Choosing the right position for your deer mount is just one aspect of creating a unique display. But with so many choices available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
The classic Full-Upright Position, with the deer’s chin and nose, elevated a few inches above the shoulder. This position is perfect for showcasing a majestic, commanding presence that will surely be the focal point of any room.
Alternatively, you may prefer the Semi-Upright Position, where the chin and nose align with the shoulder.
The Semi-Sneak Position could be a perfect choice for a more dramatic display. Here, the chin and nose are below the shoulder, creating a stealthy, sneaky appearance that will impress.
Lastly, the Full-Sneak Position, where the head is extended straight out, is perfect for creating a sense of movement and action. This position is great for showcasing a dynamic moment in your hunting experience.
But before you make your final decision, there are other factors to consider. For instance, your chosen position should complement the space where you plan to mount the deer. Do you have the ceiling height, lighting, and furniture arrangement to support your desired position?
The Attitude of a Deer Mount
As you stand before your prize buck, memories of the hunt flood your mind. You recall when the deer walked into view and how you steadied your aim. The excitement and anticipation of the hunt are now replaced with the satisfaction and pride of your accomplishment.
But the work is still ongoing. You must now decide how to immortalize your trophy. It’s not just a matter of deciding on a pose; you must also consider the attitude of the deer.
Do you want to remember the moment the deer was fully alert, ears perked forward, and eyes locked onto you? Or do you prefer to remember the deer’s relaxed, content expression when unaware of your presence?
You may want to remember when the deer was on high alert, head up, and ready to bolt at the slightest movement. Or the moment when the deer was cautiously extending its neck forward, trying to detect any potential danger.
Whatever attitude you choose, it’s important to select one that captures the spirit of the hunt and the deer’s personality. When you look at your mount, it should transport you back to the moment you locked eyes with the deer and took the shot.
So take your time, consider your options, and choose the attitude to make your trophy mount a true masterpiece, a reminder of your hard work and success, and a tribute to the majestic creature that graced your hunt.
Types of Deer Mounts
Antler Mount
Antler mounts consist of just the antlers of the animal mounted on a plaque or other decorative backing. They’re simple, cost-effective, and versatile, making them a great option for many hunters.
One of the main advantages of an antler mount is its simplicity. Unlike more complex mounts that require extensive taxidermy work, an antler mount can be done at home with just a few basic tools and supplies.
They can be displayed in various ways, from mounted on a wall to display on a shelf or mantle. And because they only take up a little space, you can easily incorporate them into your home decor without sacrificing too much room. Plus, they can be customized to your taste by adding decorative elements like engraving, leather or fur accents, or other embellishments.
Overall, antler mounts are a great way to memorialize your hunting success and create a beautiful and personalized display.
Panel Mount
Panel mounts are a popular way to display hunting trophies like deer or elk. The animal’s hide or fur is preserved and mounted on a flat panel or plaque. Panel mounts can be customized in terms of size, shape, and material. Working with a skilled taxidermist is important to ensure that the mount is done properly and the animal’s hide or fur is preserved for years to come.
Skull/ European Mount
The skull mount, also known as the European deer mount, is a popular and cost-effective option for displaying hunting trophies. While it can be done at home, it does require a bit more effort and expertise compared to other mounts.
The process involves cleaning and preparing the animal’s skull by removing the soft tissue and boiling it to remove any remaining tissue or cartilage.
For those who prefer to avoid the mess and complexity of the traditional skull mount, a synthetic skull mount is a great alternative. Instead of using the animal’s real skull, this method involves attaching the antlers to a synthetic skull replica.
The result is a clean and professional-looking mount that can be customized to fit your preferences and style.
Pedestal Mount
If you prefer not to mount your skull display on the wall, another option is to set it up on a pedestal. This can be a great way to showcase your trophy in a more prominent and eye-catching manner.
While pedestal mounts are more commonly used for shoulder mounts, they can also be used for skull mounts with the right setup and display.
Shoulder Mount
The shoulder mount is arguably the most coveted trophy among hunters, and it’s not hard to see why. This mount features the entire head and neck of the deer, extending down to its shoulders, making for an impressive display.
While some experienced hunters may attempt to make their own shoulder mounts, it’s a challenging task requiring much skill and knowledge. As such, many choose to leave it to the professionals, with prices typically ranging from $400 to $600.
One of the most exciting aspects of a shoulder mount is the posing options available. Hunters can get creative and mix up the poses to create a visually appealing collection of trophies. For serious hunters with numerous successful hunts, a well-arranged display of shoulder mounts can be a source of pride and admiration for years to come.
Upright
The upright pose is classic and majestic, with the buck’s head raised high and looking forward, exuding strength and power. It’s a popular choice for hunters looking to showcase their prized trophies.
However, with a large collection of upright posed mounts, the display can look uniform and lose its impact.
Semi-Sneak
The semi-sneak pose is a popular choice among hunters who want to capture the essence of their prey in motion. With the head and neck lowered, it portrays an appearance of a buck moving through the woods or assessing its surroundings.
This pose can add a touch of curiosity or anticipation to your trophy room, making it a great option for those looking to showcase a lively display.
Full Sneak
The full sneak pose is a dynamic and captivating option for your shoulder mount. The deer’s neck outstretched parallel to the shoulders exudes a powerful sense of motion and emotion. The pose can make it seem like the buck is ready to charge and engage in battle.
Traditional Pedestal
The Traditional Pedestal allows for a more immersive viewing experience, bringing the trophy closer to eye level and allowing for a 360-degree appreciation of the animal’s beauty. Additionally, pedestals can be a space-saving solution for those who want to display multiple trophies without cluttering their walls.
Wall Pedestal
The wall pedestal is a unique and stylish mount that combines the best of both worlds – the full musculature of the shoulder mount and the convenience of a wall mount.
With this mount, you can showcase the impressive size and strength of your trophy’s shoulders while keeping the head and neck positioned in a more natural way.
Landscape
When it comes to shoulder mounts, landscape mounts can add an extra element of realism and storytelling to your display. While landscape mounts are more commonly used for full-body mounts, they can also be incorporated into pedestal poses for shoulder mounts to enhance the overall effect.
Full Body Mount
A full-body mount is the ultimate way to showcase your hunting success. It captures the buck’s entire body and all its details, including its musculature, fur, and even its facial expression.
However, it’s a highly specialized and challenging process that requires the expertise of a professional taxidermist.
Unlike shoulder mounts, full-body mounts are not as common due to their higher cost, complexity, and space requirements. But if you’re looking for a true masterpiece to display, a full-body mount can be a stunning centerpiece in any hunting lodge or home.
Keep in mind that full-body mounts are an investment and not something you want to attempt at home. Instead, find a reputable taxidermist and be prepared to pay a premium price for their skilled craftsmanship.
Landscape
This involves the addition of carefully selected elements such as foliage, stones, and other features that complement the mount and create a visually striking scene. This approach is particularly effective for full-body mounts, as it allows the taxidermist to craft a realistic representation of the animal in its natural habitat.
How to Choose the Right Mount for Your Trophy?
Choosing the right mount for your trophy is an important decision for any hunter. It’s not just about displaying your trophy but also about preserving the memory of the hunt and honoring the animal.
There are several factors to consider when choosing the right mount, including the type of animal, the size of the trophy, the available space, and your personal taste.
Type of Animal
One of the first things to consider is the type of animal you have harvested. Some animals are more commonly mounted in certain ways, such as shoulder mounts for deer or full body mounts for larger game like bears or moose.
However, there are no hard and fast rules, and you should choose the mount that best suits your personal preference and the unique features of your trophy.
Size
Size is another important factor to consider. If you have a particularly large or impressive trophy, a full-body mount may be the best way to showcase its size and beauty.
Space
Speaking of space, it’s important to consider the available space you have for displaying your mount. Full-body mounts can take up significant space and may need to be more practical for smaller rooms. In this case, a wall-mounted shoulder or European deer mount may be a better option.
It’s important to choose a mount that showcases your trophy and reflects your style and taste.
Final Words on Types of Deer Mount for Your Trophy Buck
Deer mounts are a fantastic way to showcase your hunting achievements and preserve the memory of your hard work and success. From simple antler mounts to more complex full-body mounts, there are plenty of options to choose from to suit your personal style and taste.
By considering factors such as the mount’s pose and attitude, as well as the space in which it will be displayed, you can create a truly unique and personalized display that captures the essence of your hunting experience. So, take your time and choose the perfect deer mount to celebrate your trophy and honor the majestic creature that graced your hunt.
