5 Easy Steps To Do A European Mount Deer

Deer euro mount

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure as we guide you through the fascinating art of European deer mounting. Unlike traditional taxidermy methods, European mounting showcases the majestic skull and antlers of the deer, presenting a unique and awe-inspiring display. This meticulous process requires patience, precision, and an appreciation for the beauty of nature, resulting in an exquisite piece that will serve as a testament to your hunting prowess and a cherished heirloom for generations to come.

The European mount technique involves carefully removing the skull and antlers from the deer’s body while preserving their natural integrity. Once the skull has been cleaned and degreased, it undergoes a bleaching process to restore its pristine whiteness. The antlers are then expertly separated from the skull and meticulously cleaned, sanded, and polished to reveal their elegant form and intricate details. Finally, the skull and antlers are reassembled, creating a stunning display that captures the essence of the magnificent animal it once belonged to.

European deer mounts are a versatile addition to any décor, complementing both rustic and contemporary spaces. They serve as a powerful reminder of the thrill of the hunt and the enduring bond between humans and nature. Whether you choose to display your mount in a prominent location or in a private sanctuary, it will undoubtedly become a cherished possession, evoking memories of adventure and the enduring beauty of the natural world. So, let us embark on this journey together and create an exquisite work of art that will forever honor the majestic deer and the unforgettable experience of the hunt.

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Gathering the Necessary Materials

Before embarking on the intricate task of creating a European mount deer, it is imperative to meticulously gather all the requisite materials. This comprehensive list will ensure that you have everything you need for a successful undertaking.

Materials for Skull Preparation

Material	Purpose
Fleshing Knife	Carefully removing all flesh from the skull
Skinning Knife	Detaching the hide from the skull
Rib Shears	Trimming and shaping the rib cage
Wire Brush	Cleaning the skull of any residual tissue
Hydrogen Peroxide	Whitening the skull
Borax Powder	Absorbing moisture and preserving the skull

Materials for Mounting

Material	Purpose
Plaque or Shield	Displaying the skull
Screws or Adhesive	Securing the skull to the plaque
Polyurethane Foam	Filling the cavity behind the skull and enhancing its presentation
Paint or Stain	Matching the plaque to the surroundings or creating a desired aesthetic

Boiling and Cleaning the Skull

After removing the skull from the deer’s head, it’s time to boil and clean it. This will remove any remaining flesh and tissue, leaving you with a clean skull ready for mounting.

To boil the skull, place it in a large pot or kettle. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the skull and bring to a boil. Boil the skull for 30-60 minutes, or until all the flesh and tissue has come loose. As the skull boils, use a spoon or tongs to remove any flesh or tissue that loosens.

Flesh Removal and Cleaning

After boiling, the skull should be clean of most of the flesh and tissue. However, there may still be some small pieces or bits of cartilage that need to be removed. Use a sharp knife or scalpel to carefully remove any remaining flesh or cartilage. Be careful not to damage the skull while doing so.

Once all the flesh and cartilage has been removed, use a brush and soapy water to clean the skull. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies to remove any dirt or debris. Rinse the skull thoroughly with clean water and allow it to dry completely before mounting.

Here are some tips for flesh removal and cleaning:

Tip	Description
Use a sharp knife or scalpel	A sharp knife or scalpel will make it easier to remove flesh and cartilage without damaging the skull.
Be patient	Flesh removal can be a time-consuming process. Be patient and take your time to ensure that the skull is clean.
Use a brush and soapy water	A brush and soapy water will help to remove any dirt or debris from the skull.

Drying and Whitening the Skull

Once the skull is clean and free of any remaining flesh, it must be dried thoroughly to prevent bacteria from growing and causing damage. Place the skull in a well-ventilated area with plenty of air circulation. You can use a fan to expedite the drying process. Monitor the skull daily and rotate it to ensure all surfaces are exposed to airflow.

Whitening the Skull

To achieve a pristine white finish, the skull must be whitened. There are several methods to accomplish this. One common approach is to boil the skull in water with added hydrogen peroxide. This method helps to bleach the bone and remove any remaining discoloration. Alternatively, you can submerge the skull in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water and allow it to soak for several hours. After soaking, rinse the skull thoroughly with water and let it air dry.

Another option for whitening the skull is to apply a commercial skull-whitening solution. These products are typically available at taxidermy or craft stores. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid any damage to the bone.

Whitening Method	Pros	Cons
Boiling in Hydrogen Peroxide Water	Effective, inexpensive	May require multiple treatments
Soaking in Hydrogen Peroxide Water	Less likely to damage bone	May take longer to whiten
Commercial Skull-Whitening Solution	Convenient, easy to use	More expensive

Attaching the Pedicle

Mounting the pedicle is a crucial step to completing a European style deer mount. The pedicle, the bone that connects the skull to the spine, is the primary support for the antlers.

Materials:

Pedestal
Wood glue
Screws
Washers

Drill

Steps:

Position the pedicle:
Place the pedicle on the pedestal with the antlers facing forward and the top of the pedicle flush with the back of the pedestal. Ensure it is centered and level.
Secure the pedicle with glue:
Apply a liberal amount of wood glue to the bottom of the pedicle and the adjacent pedestal surface. Press the pedicle firmly into place and hold for several minutes to allow the glue to set.
Insert screws with washers:
Drill pilot holes through the pedestal and into the pedicle. Insert screws with washers under the heads to prevent the wood from splitting. Tighten the screws securely.
Clean up excess glue:
Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe away any excess glue that may have squeezed out during the process.
Additional support (optional):
For larger antlers, additional support may be necessary. You can use L-brackets, metal rods, or support chains to stabilize the antlers and prevent them from sagging.

Mounting the Skull on a Plaque

Once the skull has been cleaned and bleached, it is time to mount it on a plaque. This will provide a stable base for the skull and allow you to display it proudly.

Materials

You will need the following materials to mount the skull on a plaque:

A wooden plaque that is large enough to accommodate the skull
Wood screws or nails
A drill or hammer
A level

Step 1: Prepare the Plaque

Drill or hammer four pilot holes into the plaque, one near each corner. The holes should be large enough to accommodate the screws or nails that you will be using.

Step 2: Level the Skull

Place the skull on the plaque and use a level to ensure that it is level. Adjust the position of the skull as needed until it is level.

Step 3: Secure the Skull

Drive the screws or nails through the pilot holes into the skull. Be sure to drive the screws or nails in far enough so that they are secure, but not so far that they damage the skull.

Step 4: Trim the Plaque

Once the skull is secured, trim any excess wood from the plaque around the edges of the skull.

Step 5: Additional Touches

You can add additional touches to the plaque, such as staining or painting it, to match your décor.

Creating the Form

After skinning and fleshing the skull, the next step is to create a form that will support the skull and antlers during the mounting process. This form should be made of a lightweight material, such as styrofoam or polyurethane foam. It should be slightly larger than the skull, so that there is some room for padding and adjustment.

1. Carve the Basic Shape

Use a sharp knife or saw to carve the basic shape of the form out of the foam. The shape should be similar to the shape of the skull, but with a slightly larger profile. Make sure that the form is large enough to support the antlers, and that there is enough room for padding around the skull.

2. Smooth the Edges

Once the basic shape is carved, use a sander or sandpaper to smooth the edges of the form. This will help to prevent the foam from chafing against the skull or antlers.

3. Create the Nasal Cavity

Use a drill or knife to create a small hole in the front of the form, where the nasal cavity of the deer skull will be located. This hole should be large enough to accommodate the nasal bones of the skull.

4. Create the Eye Sockets

Use a drill or knife to create two small holes in the form, where the eye sockets of the deer skull will be located. These holes should be large enough to accommodate the eye sockets of the skull.

5. Create the Antler Burrs

Use a drill or knife to create two small holes in the form, where the antler burrs of the deer skull will be located. These holes should be large enough to accommodate the antler burrs of the skull.

6. Create the Mandible Socket

Use a drill or knife to create a small hole in the bottom of the form, where the mandible of the deer skull will be located. This hole should be large enough to accommodate the mandible of the skull.

7. Creating the Pedestal

The pedestal is the base of the mount, and it is what will support the skull and antlers. It can be made of a variety of materials, but wood is a popular choice. The pedestal should be large enough to provide a stable base for the mount, and it should be tall enough to allow the antlers to be displayed properly.

To create the pedestal, cut a piece of wood to the desired size and shape. Sand the wood smooth, and then stain or paint it to match the desired finish. Once the pedestal is complete, attach the skull and antlers to it using screws or bolts.

Covering the Form with Clay

Once the wire frame is complete, it’s time to start covering it with clay. This will give the deer its shape and form. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Clay

Start by preparing the clay. Break it into small pieces to make it easier to work with. Then, add a little bit of water to the clay and knead it until it becomes soft and pliable. The consistency of the clay should be similar to that of Play-Doh.

2. Roll Out the Clay

On a flat surface, roll out the clay until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. This will form the skin of the deer.

3. Apply the Clay to the Form

Take the rolled-out clay and start applying it to the wire frame. Start with the face, and work your way down the neck, body, and limbs. Press the clay firmly into the wire to ensure that it stays in place.

4. Build Up the Form

Once the clay is applied, start building up the form of the deer. Use your hands to shape the clay into the desired contours. Add more clay where necessary to fill in any gaps.

5. Smooth Out the Surface

Once the form is built up, smooth out the surface of the clay. Use a wet sponge or a brush to gently remove any imperfections.

6. Add Details

Now is the time to add details to the deer’s face and body. Use a knife or a sculpting tool to carve out the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. You can also add other details, such as wrinkles or scars.

7. Let Dry

Once you’re satisfied with the form and details of the deer, let the clay dry completely. This may take several days, depending on the thickness of the clay.

8. Sand and Finish

Once the clay is completely dry, you can sand it to smooth out the surface. Start with a coarse sandpaper and gradually move to a finer sandpaper. Once the surface is smooth, you can apply a clear sealant or paint.

Type of Clay	Benefits	Disadvantages
Paper Clay	Lightweight and easy to shape	Can be fragile when dry
Polymer Clay	Durable and waterproof	Can be difficult to blend
Sculpting Clay	Oil-based, easy to manipulate	Can be expensive

Detailing and Painting the Form

Once the skull is cleaned and prepped, you can begin detailing and painting the form. This step is optional, but it can give your European mount a more finished and professional look.

1. Gather your materials

You will need the following materials:

* Fine-grit sandpaper
* Putty knife
* Modeling clay
* Paintbrushes
* Acrylic paint
* Clear sealant

2. Sand the skull

Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges on the skull. This will help the paint adhere better.

3. Fill in any holes or cracks

Use putty knife to fill in any holes or cracks in the skull. Let the putty dry completely.

4. Sculpt the form

If you want to add any features to your European mount, such as antlers or teeth, you can use modeling clay to sculpt them. Let the clay dry completely.

5. Paint the skull

Use a paintbrush to apply acrylic paint to the skull. You can use any color you want, but white is a popular choice.

6. Seal the paint

Once the paint is dry, apply a clear sealant to protect it from scratches and wear.

7. Mount the skull

Once the sealant is dry, you can mount the skull on a plaque or display it in a shadow box.

9. Adding Fine Details

This step is where you can truly bring your European mount to life. Take your time and pay attention to the details.

Feature	How to Paint
Eyes	Use a small brush to paint the iris and pupil. Add a highlight to the center of the eye to make it look more realistic.
Nose	Paint the nose black or brown. Add a few small highlights to the tip of the nose to give it dimension.
Teeth	If you are painting the teeth, use a white paint. Add a few small brown or black dots to the teeth to give them a more realistic appearance.
Antlers	If you are painting the antlers, use a brown or black paint. Add a few small highlights to the tips of the antlers to give them a more realistic appearance.

Finishing and Displaying the European Mount

Attaching the Skull Plate

Once the skull has been degreased, bleached, and reassembled, it’s time to attach it to the skull plate. Use wood screws or bolts to securely fasten the skull to the plate. Make sure the screws are long enough to penetrate both the skull and the plate but not so long that they protrude through the back of the plate.

Option	Pros	Cons
Wall Mount	Easy to install, shows off the mount from all angles	Requires drilling into the wall
Shelf Mount	Less permanent than a wall mount, can be moved around easily	May not be as secure as a wall mount
Plaque Mount	Protects the mount from damage, can be personalized	Can be expensive, may not be suitable for all mounts

How To Do A European Mount Deer

A European mount is a deer mount that displays the skull and antlers of the animal. It is a popular way to display deer trophies, and it can be done relatively easily at home.

Here are the steps on how to do a European mount deer:

Remove the skull from the deer. This can be done by cutting around the base of the skull with a sharp knife. Be careful not to damage the antlers.
Boil the skull. This will help to remove the flesh from the skull. Boil the skull for 1-2 hours, or until the flesh is easily removed.
Clean the skull. Once the flesh has been removed, clean the skull with a brush and water. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
Whiten the skull. There are a number of different ways to whiten a skull. You can use hydrogen peroxide, bleach, or even sunlight.
Seal the skull. Once the skull is white, you can seal it with a clear sealant. This will help to protect the skull from the elements.
Mount the antlers. The antlers can be mounted on the skull using a variety of methods. You can use screws, wire, or even glue.