Prepare Skull Plate
4 hoursBoil or beetles-clean skull cap, bleach lightly, and seal bone against grease bleed.
Beginner1-2 days
Antler Mounting Display Guide
Learn antler mounting display from scratch with a clear step-by-step workflow, recommended tools, safety guidelines, and expert tips.
hunterslodge decorators
Workflow
Build Mount Plaque
2 hoursCut hardwood plaque, rout keyhole hanger, and stain or torch finish to complement antlers.
Attach Antlers to Plaque
1 hourDrill through skull plate, bolt from back with washers, and fill holes with wood filler.
Finish Display
30 minAdd engraved plate with hunt details, felt backing, and UV-protective clear on plaque if near windows.
Tools Used
Checklist
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Planning
Preparation
Safety
Execution
Quality
Documentation
Reference Materials
Skull PlateStandard
Cut behind eye sockets preserving burr attachment — minimum 1 in bone front of burrs.
Spread MeasureFormula
Typical plaque width = outside spread + 4 in margin each side.
Mount StylesTable
Antler display options.
| Style | Skill | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Plaque | Low | 6 in |
| Pedestal | Medium | 12 in |
| Full shoulder | High | 24 in+ |
Boiling Fumes
Boiling skulls smell intensely — outdoor burner preferred.
Bleach Concentration
Never use chlorine bleach on bone — weakens structure.
Wall Weight
Large elk mounts heavy — use stud finder and heavy-duty hangers.
Safety Notes
- Wear gloves handling boiled skulls — grease and bacteria present.
- Drill away from body when bolting through plaque.