With hunting seasons in full swing, the preparation for the hunts we have been thinking about all year are complete. Preparation for me, is almost as exciting as the hunt itself. I love doing the research into new areas, daily practice with my bow and making sure I have all the equipment necessary to survive or be comfortable on each hunt. What many hunters do not prepare for, are the decisions that need to be made after your buck or bull is on the ground. The obvious needs after a kill is making sure you are equipped in the field with knives and game bags to ensure that the meat is well taken care of. However, what I am speaking of, is the decision that needs to be made with the trophy head itself.
Preparation and being skilled as a hunter, certainly improve your odds for success. Now, if you happen to be lucky enough to harvest a buck or bull of a lifetime, the decision of what to do with your trophies’ horns or antlers is relatively simple. For most who can afford it, a shoulder or even life size mount would be the obvious choice. Regardless, today there are other options for every hunter to consider.
European (skull) mounts have become increasingly popular for many reasons. First and foremost, the cost of a European mount is substantially less than the cost of a shoulder mount. Shoulder mounts just seem to get more and more expensive every year. For those who have the discretionary income to shoulder mount every animal, many still choose not to. The overriding reason for this is because wall space is a scarce commodity within many homes. Others, simply like the look of a clean white skull to showcase their trophy. Yet, some are complimenting their game room full of shoulder mounts with European mounts. The alternative is simply cutting off the horns or antlers for a skull capped display.
In the field, critical decision needs to be made. Do you cut the skull or plan for a European mount? The decision to cut the skull is irreversible, so careful thought prior to the hunt should be taken. If a European mount is on your mind, there are a few factors that need to be considered. First, if you are in the back country, are you willing to add the extra weight of that skull for the pack out? For me, this is an easy answer. I believe the packing of the animal is part of the deal. I actually enjoy having an 800lb elk to be quartered and packed out. The sense of accomplishment once we get to the truck is like no other. So, adding the weight of a head isn’t going to sway my decision. I actually have a tradition of packing out the lower part of an elk leg for my Labrador. He loves it and proudly carries it around for weeks.
As a tip, when the situation allows, I will cape out the head as if I was going to do a shoulder mount. I will do so if the cape is unique in color and/or in good shape. Taxidermists are always looking for good capes for their customers who need one. I will then trade the cape for the full or partial cost of the European mount. At the very least I will outright donate it to a taxidermist because I feel its important for us as hunters, to utilize as much of every animal we kill as possible. Many forget that rugs and various leather goods can be made from the cape as well. I have a few whole bodied elk rugs and love them.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a larger and more important consideration to selecting a European mount. Careful attention needs to be made regarding processing and transport of the head and other parts given the CWD issue that is prevalent in many states. We as hunters need to respect the laws regarding this and do our part in not spreading this deadly disease. Admittedly, not much is known about the spread of CWD. Many States have gone above and beyond with their laws, but for good reason. Therefore, we all must abide by each States’ laws for transport and disposal. A minor inconvenience, especially if hunting across State lines, but a factor to consider when choosing a European Mount.
Some people simply prefer the look of European mounts. I am not partial to one over the other. For me, it simply depends upon the size of the trophy and the species. For a commonly hunted animal like deer for instance, I will only shoulder mount a unique or close to my largest animal. If I am hunting a species that I may never hunt again, I am more likely to shoulder mount that species. For some animals, I simply prefer the look of a Euro over a shoulder mount. For example, I prefer pronghorn European mounts over a typical should mount.
The clean look of a white skull showing every inch of those black horns seems to catch my eye more so on a European mount. I do agree, a room full of shoulder mounts is impressive. However, I do think a scattering of European mounts to the room can also add additional interest and wall space can be a factor to consider as well. For the typical hunter without a designated trophy room, not everyone has the room or the ceiling height for an elk, moose or bison shoulder mount. A European display could help get that trophy displayed in your house or business to be enjoyed every day.
Alternative display methods are now available to simple wall mounts. If wall space is filled, many are turning to a desk or table display and these are my overall favorite, if you have a place for one. 
As another alternative, many hunters have turned to floor displays that solve many display problems within a home or office. First, these floor displays could free up some wall space (and certainly less holes in the wall), but more importantly they allow for an unlimited amount of display options for a wide variety of trophies. It is always interesting to see what people are hanging on these floor displays and how they are arranging them.
Why not a European mount? Interestingly, I have had very few European mounts until recent years. The reason for this, I believe, is because I have never liked the way they were displayed flat off the wall and I was never a fan of the old bulky wood plaques. Ten years or so ago I had a few European buck and bulls in my garage. I found myself tying back the antlers to the wall for a more natural upright look. Those days are gone as now there are brackets available to securely hang all trophies and many allow for customization of the head up and down and left and right for that perfect presentation.
Skull capped displays is the alternative choice. If a skull cap is the route you decide to take, the minor issues associated with CWD and packing out a head are not of concern here. However, the display of your trophy is somewhat less appealing especially within a home or business. Fortunately, the old skull capped wood plaques are not the only option any longer. Metal wall brackets along with cover plates are now available for those sawed-off skull caps. These allow for a much more streamline presentation and allow for customization of the antlers or horns, so they are not displayed flat off the wall any longer.
So, times have changed, and sometimes change is a good thing. For those of us who like to preserve the memories of our trophies, today there are many more mounting options to consider. But remember, before your next hunt, the preparation and thought needs to be taken prior to the hunt to make the right decisions are made in the field.
Learn more about Skull Hooker at www.skullhooker.com.
FAQs
How long do you boil an elk skull? ›
Submerge the Elk head with the antlers in a metal pot full of water then place the pot on the cooker to bring the water to a steady, gentle boil for a good 2-hour period.
Can you hunt Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation? ›Open Public Access
Since 1984, RMEF has opened, secured or improved public access to more than 1.5 million acres of elk habitat across the country for hunters, hikers, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
The skull is ready to be cleaned when the muscle pulls off easily. Do not boil the skull or simmer longer than necessary; too long as this can crack the teeth and soften the bone. It is best to remove the meat and brain tissue while they are still quite warm.
What do you put in the water when boiling a skull? ›Add one box of baking soda and ½ cup of Dawn detergent to the water, and bring to a simmer. The baking soda will help soften the tissue, the Dawn will help break down any grease. A rolling boil will cook the skull too fast, compromising the integrity of the bone. A simmer is ideal.
How do you prepare a skull for painting? ›Rinse with warm water. Leave the cleaned skull in a bucket of water for 48 hours. Boil the skull carefully until all the fat and flesh comes away. Place the cleaned and cooled skull in a bowl of hydrogen peroxide (5–10%)
How do you prepare your skin for taxidermy? ›Remove all meat and fat and clean the skin carefully. If the skin is thick you can make a few cuts on the meat side, to ensure better salt penetration. Take your time and make sure that the salt is rubbed into the skin all over – especially ears, nose, eye lids and around bullet or arrow holes.
What does the CEO of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation make? ›| Name | Compensation | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rodney Triepke | $233,177 |
| 2 | M. David Allen | $206,611 |
| 3 | R. Kyle Weaver | $197,956 |
Colorado: Best Opportunities for Elk Hunting
This state stands out because the ample elk population means there are literally thousands of opportunities for residents and non-resident hunters to tag an elk each year; whereas most other states only allow hundreds of harvests per season.
Unit 1 and Unit 201 in the northwest corner of Colorado are known for their fabulous elk hunting. This is undoubtedly the best region in the state for producing giant bulls. This region consistently produces elk in the 330” to 380” B&C class for those who have the preference points to draw.
How do you seal a skull? ›After the cleaning and bleaching process, thoroughly dry skulls may be preserved and finished very nicely by complete immersion in, or brushing on, a mixture of ½ clear lacquer and ½ lacquer thinner. Aerosol spray cans of clear polyurethane may also be used to finish skulls.
How long do you degrease a skull? ›
Really greasy animals like bears can take months to finish. My pig skull took 2 months of soaking in soapy water before the grease got out. Even with the same type of animal the degreasing time can vary. For example, a bear which ate a really fatty diet might take longer to degrease than a bear which didn't.
How long do you leave bones in hydrogen peroxide? ›Keep in mind hydrogen peroxide is deactivated by light. Leave bones in peroxide for about 24–48 hours, then remove and let them dry for several hours. Bone can appear much darker than expected just from being wet.
Will oxiclean whiten a deer skull? ›Turn off heat and remove from burner, place skull in hot water, add Oxiclean 1 tablespoon at a time. It only takes a small amount. For the deer skull, I used about 1/4 cup. NOTE: Adding the Oxiclean begins an immediate enzymatic process.
Can you use baking soda to boil a deer skull? ›Baking soda works wonders at finalizing the skull. Bring the water to a boil once again and dial it back to a simmer. Leave the skull in for another 45 minutes to an hour. After this round, at least 90% of the meat should be off the skull.
Will borax clean a deer skull? ›The quickest option of preserving deer antler skull caps is to clean off the tissue and then simply apply some borax. Let it dry thoroughly. In most cases, this option is plenty adequate for a lifetime of zero issues, but you do need to be careful of humidity levels and exposure to bugs.
Can you use borax to boil deer skull? ›Mix a fresh borax solution and boil the head until the hide can be removed and the teeth loosen and can easily be pulled out. This will typically require an hour and possibly longer, until most of the meat falls off or can be pulled away.
What kind of hydrogen peroxide do you use for European mounts? ›Regular 3% hydrogen peroxide from your local Walmart will get the job done just fine. Fill your pot 50 percent full with hydrogen peroxide, then place the skull inside, and next fill the rest of the pot with water until it completely covers the skull.
How do you prepare bones for taxidermy? ›Use a scrub brush to gently clean your bones. If you're working with smaller bones a toothbrush works well. The cleaner the bones, the better results you'll have, so scrub well. Depending on the condition of your bones, small teeth or other bits may fall off in the process.
Can you freeze a deer head before European Mount? ›You can store a skull in the freezer for months skinned or with the hide left on. Skinning a skull is no different than skinning any other part of the animal.
What is the best degreaser for deer skulls? ›Degrease the skull by soaking in a good degreaser such as Van Clean, Eliminator, or Super Safety Solvent. Twenty-four to forty-eight hours will usually be long enough on most skulls, although some may take a little longer. At this point wash in Dawn dish soap and rinse.
How do you make peroxide paste for skulls? ›
After boiling, mix hydrogen peroxide (30%) with magnesium carbonate to form a paste (the consistency will depend on personal preference). Using rubber gloves, paint the paste onto the skull. This will bleach the skull to a uniform whiteness. Leave the paste on until completely dry . . .
What paint is best for skulls? ›Acrylic Paint
This is one of the best ways to cover up a skull that has been damaged or discolored. By painting over the skull, any blemishes on the bone will be nothing but a distant memory.
Lightly spray the mount with a non-staining insect killer such as Bedlam and leave it in a well-ventilated area for a few hours. Then gently wipe the mount with a damp microfiber cloth, going with the fur or feather grain. Doing this every few months is a good way to prevent moth infestations.
What do you need for skin prep? ›- Gently Exfoliate. ...
- Pop on an Eye Mask & Cream. ...
- Apply a Toner and Serum. ...
- Make Sure You Moisturize. ...
- Apply Primer. ...
- Spritz on Setting Spray.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Inc. (RMEF) is a national nonprofit, wildlife conservation organization. RMEF's mission is to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage by protecting, conserving, restoring, and enhancing natural habitat.
How many employees does RMEF have? ›Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has 100 employees, and the revenue per employee ratio is $434,956. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation peak revenue was $43.5M in 2021.
Is Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation tax deductible? ›Join/Upgrade your Elk Foundation membership
Join as a Supporting Member – $35/year. Life Memberships are largely tax deductible and include a cap, pin and plaque.
The general consensus is 10 percent, and it does depend on the service. If the guide busts his but, he's savvy, and works hard, then tip him accordingly.
What is the easiest state to hunt elk? ›Colorado is often at the top of the list for beginner elk hunters. The state has more elk than any other, with more than 280,000 animals. Colorado sells either sex and cow-only archery tags over the counter. For rifle hunters, bull tags can be purchased over the counter for the state's second and third rifle seasons.
What is the best month to hunt elk? ›Time of Year: Although slightly affected by elevation and latitude, peak rut season tends to fall near the first day of fall and runs through the first half of October. This is the best time of year to plan your hunt if you hope to take home a trophy bull.
What is the hardest elk unit to draw in Colorado? ›
GMU 201. With 85 percent of its land public, GMU 201 represents the second smallest of the big four quality units. It's also the hardest one to draw a tag.
What is the best shot placement for an elk? ›The most vital organs of elk and all game animals are the heart and lungs. A proper shot through the heart and/or lungs will offer the quickest kill, making it the most humane for the animal. These organs offer the best opportunity for a kill for firearm and archery hunters.
What percentage of elk hunters are successful? ›When you take a look at average success rates for elk hunters, you'll find around 15% of elk hunters are successful each fall. However, when you neglect draw hunts and look only at OTC, public land, DIY elk hunts, the success rates drop to around 10%.
What kind of glue to use on skulls? ›Cyanoacrylate (CA) or super glue is great for gap filling. Using a think viscosity or gel super glue makes gap filling for your taxidermy projects easy. Of course, a general purpose super glue is perfect for bonding numerous substrates making it a go to for Taxidermist for quick fixes.
Can you use polyurethane on bone? ›Polyurethane (PU) foam is widely used as a model for cancellous bone. The higher density foams are used as standard biomechanical test materials, but none of the low density PU foams are universally accepted as models for osteoporotic (OP) bone.
How long does it take to macerate? ›Maceration starts instantly, and in some cases you'll notice change in fruit texture or flavor within minutes of contact. But the best results require more time, anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight.
How do you speed up skull maceration? ›...
This can be accomplished in a few ways:
- The best way, and the way I currently use, is with a heater. ...
- If you don't have a heater, you can keep the container outside in the sun during the warm months. ...
- No heat!
It is a form of controlled putrefaction, the decomposition of a corpse by bacteria in anaerobic conditions. The temperature is best maintained in an incubator at around 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). Maceration smells horrible, and the process should be done in a closed container, in a non-enclosed area.
What do you put on a skull to preserve it? ›After the cleaning and bleaching process, thoroughly dry skulls may be preserved and finished very nicely by complete immersion in, or brushing on, a mixture of ½ clear lacquer and ½ lacquer thinner. Aerosol spray cans of clear polyurethane may also be used to finish skulls.
How do you disinfect a skull? ›Flushing water through the brain cavity and nasal cavity will work out some of the residual tissue in these bones. After the skull is as clean as you can get it, soak it in an enzyme-bleach powder (such as Biz) using about ¾ cup to a gallon of water.
How long does it take for dermestid beetles to clean a skull? ›
When these carnivorous larvae are most active—in a dark, warm environment with plenty to eat—they can scour the flesh from a small skull in just three days.
How long should skull be boiled? ›Boil the skull clean
Put the skull in a big pan and boil steadily until all the fat and flesh comes away. Be careful not to boil it for too long, otherwise the bones will start falling apart. The boiling time varies, but a deer skull takes between two and three hours.
2 a: Boiling your skull is the simplest way to wash it. Wrap the base of the antlers in clear plastic wrap and tape it down well. Then submerge the entire skull into water and simmer the skull until it is completely clean of flesh, meat, and brain matter.
How long do animal skulls have to boil? ›Boil or, better yet, simmer the skull for about 1-1/2 hours (less for a small deer, as too much boiling can loosen the fragile bone connections).
How long to boil skull for European mount? ›Fill a medium to large stock pot with water (just enough to cover the skull, not the antlers), add in your Washing Soda, place on your cooking system, and bring to a rolling boil over medium to high heat. Boil for 30 minutes. Monitor this to ensure the entire skull remains below the water line. Remove from the pot.
How long to leave peroxide on skull? ›Set the skull aside and let the Bleach Agent and Hydrogen Peroxide whiten the skull. This will take 18 to 24 hours.
What age does the skull fully harden? ›These soft spots are spaces between the bones of the skull where bone formation isn't complete. This allows the skull to be molded during birth. The smaller spot at the back usually closes by age 2 to 3 months. The larger spot toward the front often closes around age 18 months.
Do skulls get softer with age? ›Using 3-D scans, scientists analyzed the faces of healthy men and women of different ages. They found that as we age, bones in the skull shrink, sink and slide around.
Can you overcook elk? ›Elk is naturally lean, so it can be tough when overcooked. Elk steak is most tender when it's cooked to medium-rare/medium.
How do you degrease a skull? ›Soak your bones for 24 hours in a container of fresh water and dish soap. If lots of grease collects on the surface, change the water and soak the bones until they are fully degreased.