How to mount your own antlers on a budget (Cheap DIY Project)
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- Опубліковано 26 вер 2024
- Ever want to display a set of antlers without paying an arm and a leg for taxidermy. In this video I show you how easy it is to create a nice mount on a plaque (sometimes known as a skull cap mount.)
WARNING: Grinding, cutting, or sanding bone produces dust that may be harmful to your health. Please take the necessary precautions to avoid breathing in this dust.
**Links to Supplies**
Leather Lace: amzn.to/2oaFGC3
Leather Sheet: amzn.to/2pyuEqC
Pre-made plaque: amzn.to/2oOYK8U
Pre-made Arrowhead plaque: amzn.to/2ob2529
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Keyhole hangers (50 pack): amzn.to/2ocCwOn
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Wow this is the first vid that was more direct abt how to put it together i have made a mount with my boyfriend that is of a wapiti spike and, i cut the plaque and carved out two oak leaves and an acorn on it. We drilled the skull directly onto the plaque and added a teeth hanger to the back which is what i prefer. I bought a whitetail rack off etsy and I’ve been struggling trying to mount them more traditionally and this vid was really direct about how to actually do it and do it well. Thanks so much
You’re welcome. I’m glad it was helpful.
This is exactly the info I was looking for to do this cheaper. Tired of paying $$$ for mounts. Thank you.
Your welcome. So glad it helped!!
I used a piece of pine and burnt it a little with a propane torch and then sprayed a low gloss clear coat over it for a plaque for my European mount! Give it a try!
That sounds like a great idea!
Nice tutorial! I love the final look especially with the leather cover. Thanks for putting this together!
You are so welcome!
I purchased several sets of horns at auction so I have many ideas now on how to approach the mounting of the horns thanks to you. Great Tutorial.
Thank you! I am glad it was a help. Good luck with your mounting endeavors!
Minimalist and very appealing
Thanks
Came back to this video this year to refresh my memory before starting to mount up my dad's rifle season buck. Followed this tutorial last year and my mount turned out great. I used acrylic craft paint to cover the plaster instead of a fabric covering and also made my own keyhole hanger using a washer.
Thanks for coming back and thanks for sharing your take on the project.
Great tutorial, thanks! I have been able to find all of the supplies except a rack to mount.
Hahaha. I hope you “find” one soon!
Nicely done. Clear and Informative Kudos ✅
Glad it was helpful!
Leather boot laces braided looks really good to.
Awesome idea. Thank you!
Excellent tutorital. I usually use a paper mache that comes as a powder from a taxidermist shop. I might try plaster of paris on the next one. You have some great ideas on how to give it a more artistic and finished look. Well done.
Thanks! I’m glad you found some useful info
Great tutorial! I made one the other day and it turned out really nice. I used an old chamois to form around the scull cap that i formed. Worked great!!
Awesome. Glad it worked out well for you! Never thought of using a chamois.
Great ideas. I mount mine in a similar fashion, except I don't use plaster of paris and the small piece of plywood. I also have a place for the picture of the hunt and a brass plaque with the date on it. And I have now glued the empty shell casing engraved to the mount. A guy who measures at our local scoring night said that it was the most unqiue mount he's seen
Sounds pretty neat. I enjoy making unique plaques. I have several designs with pictures and I’ve used shell casings before as well. Sounds awesome!
What did you use instead on plaster of Paris? I did a concrete/plaster Paris mix and is keeps cracking in half
@@keithlewis8238 I use believe it or not. Cotton balls, the large very firm and stuff them between the skull and fabric and smooth it out. I generally use faux leather. Then I tack upholstery tacks around the base.
This was great, thanks so much. I am in the process of mounting some 46” moose antlers. My hubby got years ago. They are so heavy. This video gave me lots of great pointers as this is my first time mounting. Thank you
That is awesome! Glad this was helpful. Would love to hunt moose some day.
@@TheBudgetSportsman we are lucky to have them in our area, sometimes in the yard. Thanks again. I just finished the moose rack, now starting on a whitetail rack. You have created a monster. Hehehe
@@lynsmith2698 will you please post a pic of the moose mount? thanks
Thanks for sharing!
You bet!
Thanks. Making a stand for my samurai sword out of a pair of antlers. You're video was very helpful...
Glad you enjoyed it. Let me know how your project turns out!
@@TheBudgetSportsman will do!
I just like the way he started. I’m a poor hillbilly hunter with a big rack. So this should be useful lol
Great video I bought a kit from the store to mount a rack but was quickly discarded and followed this video for a mount that turned out excellent! Wish i could upload a pic of it.
Great ideas!
Glad you like them!
I have done all mine the same way works great
That great! I really enjoy doing it myself. Thanks for watching.
I just learnt the best way to hung the bull horns.. i was using hook screws on the plaque to hung them on the wall!!.. thanks thanks
Your welcome. Thanks for watching!
Thank you! Saving me some $$ and finally getting my buck on the wall!!
Your welcome. Glad you found it helpful.
You might want to put a warning at the beginning of this video that bone dust is incredibly toxic and wearing a respirator while cutting or sanding bone is imperative. Great tutorial, thanks!
Unfortunately, I can't edit the video once it is on UA-cam, but I appreciate you bringing up that point of safety. I'll be sure to add a comment in the description.
Thanks for the tutorial. I've collected some skull and antler sets from various antique stores. I bought some plaques and fake flowers to make "artistic" european mounts. I want the bone to show on mine, so I'll do everything but the plaster of paris and fabric step. I'm just relieved to know I can drill into them with drywall screws!
Yes just pre-drill first.
Nice instructional video! Would have liked to see how you cut the antlers off the head, but no matter...I was going to take to a taxidermy, but they can be expensive. I think I will give it a go. Seems easy but know it will take time and patients. But will be a fun hobby to learn. Thanks for sharing how & where to pick up supplies. Happy hunting!
Make a straight cut down behind the antlers and a horizontal cut back right above the eyes below the antlers.
@@TheBudgetSportsman thanks
Dude! Love the idea of the camo and paracord! Have to try!
Definitely let me know how it goes. Thanks for watching.
Great video. I bought a kit from a company that shall not be named. I would never do that again. I will finish mine soon with some of your tips.
Thanks
Your welcome. I have never been satisfied with the results from this kits. I hope your able to get it finished in a way you are proud of.
Important reminder bone dust is EXTREMELY dangerous a respirator is HIGHLY recommended when cutting and grinding bone if you value the health of your lungs
Great Video
Thanks!
Beautiful work, thanks.
Thank you!
Dude, awesome video. Well done and straight to the point. I can tell you enjoy your hobby and like helping others 👍
Thank you! I appreciate you watching and leaving a comment.
Good tip! I bury mine to make skull mounts. ( seriously; works great! )
Hoosier Sasquatch Outdoors, how long do you generally bury them for?
@@jesseboell3661 My rule is three warm months in a safe locale. You can plant them anytime but the head has to be underground three warm months. It's magic...drop the head in skin and all, dig it up and rinse it of TOTALLY defleshed. I made a video of the process ( if I'd known how many views it would get I would have made a better one)
ua-cam.com/video/YXr2_8xzZ4o/v-deo.html
Nice!
Thanks!
Thank you for the great ideas, can't wait to mount mine :)
Your welcome. Hope it turns out great!
Nice video and instructions. I'm not a hunter, however, I like feeding the deer that come into my backyard. I found two antlers back there that appeared to have been knocked off or shed and I'm looking for some ideas on what to do with them. Just for the record, I am a life member of the NRA. I subscribed to your page.
Thanks for subscribing. Most likely you found sheds. If you want to mount them it is a little trickier without having a piece of the skull.
You could use something like this piece available from cabelas to mount the antlers together and then use the rest of the process in this video.
www.cabelas.com/shop/en/mountain-mikes-reproductions-shed-spreader-universal-deer-skull-plate?ds_e=GOOGLE&ds_c=Shop%7CGeneric%7CAllProducts%7CHigh%7CSSCCatchAll&gclid=Cj0KCQiAvP6ABhCjARIsAH37rbQdc0eDLrg0n3V3k6LwjLE-s5EWj7SrcttogILl6BPashWestEJOcgaAowhEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
@@TheBudgetSportsman Thank you!!! I'll try that.
Great video.I have been mounting my own & family bucks ( like forever ) but instead of stapling, I use hot glue.Just another option.
Nice! Does the hot glue hold pretty well. I like to stretch my leather as tight as I can.
Very good tutorial. Nice finished product.
Thank you!
Thanks.
No problem!
Nice video on mounting your antlers but to be honest my wife mounts all our antlers as well as a 35 inch striper I caught in GA. She has done bass, gar and a fox also she does a pretty good job on them. See I'm blessed also.
You are definitely blessed. Sounds like you have a winner.
Far easier than the way I do it. Good job!
Thanks! Hope it helps you in the future!
That is what I was thinking as well. Thank you so much your the best...
Thank for the info I have several I need to do!
Your welcome. I would love if you let me know how they turn out!
I did a small one several years ago. It came out ok but not as nice as yours. Thanks for the tips I will try them on my next buck. I purchased the wood plaque from Michaels and used jute twine and hot glue to finish off around the base of the antlers. Thanks
I’m glad you found the video helpful. I would love to hear your your next project turns out!
Wow great job explaining the process. Well done!
Thank you!
Thanks dude! Great job
No problem! Thank you
Glad I watched, helps immensely!
Glad you found it helpful!!
This is beautiful man! I just killed my first deer and I am doing a skull mount. I'll do this for my next one.
Congrats on your first deer! I’m sure there will be many more. Thanks for watching. I would love if you let me know how your mounts turn out!
Ok thanks!
Great video! Thank you for some great ideas!
Glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for the video, very helpful.
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the informative video. Really happy with the way mine turned out!
Fantastic! I am glad yours turned out well. If you on facebook, I would love if you would share a picture of yours to the budget sportsman facebook page!
@@TheBudgetSportsman will do
I enjoyed this video I wish I would have did this with my 14 pt this year but the skull mount is to cool to cut off😂
Congrats on your buck! Glad you enjoyed the video!!
Nice job
Thank you
Owen this is a great idea 🤗
Glad you think so!
That was fantastic. Way to take the extra steps to really finish them off. I like the acorn shaped head piece that is finished off with some braided cordage.
My youngest brother likes to do an antler mount with a picture, but he just wraps the skull plate.
I shot my first branch antlered buck last year on the first day of the rifle season in West Virginia. A 17 in wide 6 point with a broken brow and tip on the opposite G2. I ended up doing a Euro mount on two sliced logs 🪵 that had a dark stained WV, 2020 date and picture frame 🖼. I am pretty happy with it. I would share it with you but I didn’t find you on Instagram.
Thanks for sharing Forrest. I don't really do much on instagram, but you can find me on Facebook @The Budget Sportsman.
Great video, appreciate the tips and time you put into it.
Thanks Chris. Glad you found it helpful.
Love the broad head mount very cool, I cut em off and screw em to my wall in my garage the bigger ones I just screw to a plaque nothing pretty but it works
I have another video with the plans to make the broadhead mount.
Thanks for watching!
Well done. Well described as well!
Thank you!
Thank you!
Nice and easy thanks for the info
Your welcome!!
great, informative video, thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching
Thank you for this great tutorial. Ready to mount my antlers!
Your welcome. I would love to hear how it goes for you...or better yet go over to Facebook and send me a picture!
@@TheBudgetSportsman I will do that when they are finished.
@@TheBudgetSportsman BTW - Check out Tandy Leather for larger pieces of leather and suede. They also sell leather lace.
Thanks for the tip!
You had someone to help you when you screwed through the plaque into the mount. I found this really hard to do and keep the mount straight on the plaque, by myself.
Yes, my wife always helps with that part. I can see how that would be hard alone.
Good video and technique dude, thx!
Your welcome!
Great video, thank you!
Thanks and thanks for watching!
Thanks great information.
Your welcome. Thanks for watching!
Good job, thanks for sharing!
Your welcome. Glad you enjoyed.
Good video 👍👍👍🦌🦌🦌
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!
Thank you
Great Information Thanks!
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!
It is beautiful I just spent 50 bucks on all the stuff including a jig saw and blades. But I’ll be able to do a few racks with what I have
Absolutely, once you have the supplies it’s doesn’t cost much to do more.
@@TheBudgetSportsman I didn’t catch up with a buck last year. But this year I did. Doing another one on the same supplies 👍🏻 I just watched your video on the mental game and I did almost all the same things you did and felt all the same ways. Putting the pressure on your self to get a big buck. Made a bad shot on a buck. But it all worked out in rifle. Just have to learn from all of it
Congrats on the buck. Thanks for sharing.
That's pretty sweet man. Now I wish I didn't get my buck euro mounted... I could have done this easily.
Thanks! There’s always the next one!!!
Euro is easy to do too. Simmer the head scrape & wash the meat away and use multiple HOT rinses and soap and treat it with hydrogen peroxide. Ive done 3 myself and it works fine.if you ever want to whiten it more all you need is more peroxide. It is a great whitener and degreaser
I use leather boot laces for the finish trim, it's a lot cheaper and is the same thing.
Good tip.
My biggest buck was mounted for $375! It took them a yr. To do! I should have spent that on gear!
I shot my biggest buck last November. The only reason I got it mounted was because some buddies paid for it. I still haven’t gotten it back. I have to agree that money spent on mounts could be spent on gear or even hunts.
Nice informational video !
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
You can buy mounting kits for under 40$ on Amazon. Will really expedite the process. Comes with a pre cut plaque, cover ect.
No offense, but personally don’t think the kits look very good. If that’s what works for you, then by all means go for it.
Great video. Could ya do one on the proper way to work the plaster of Paris and the mixing. Never heard of using it this way.
I have a few new mounts to work on over the winter, so maybe I can go over that in more detail. Not sure when those videos will be done. I just add water till its a consistency that seems good to work. Personally I try to err on the side of too wet rather than to dry. It sets up quickly and if its too dry it will be hard to work before you get it all where you want it. I try to make one or two batches that fill in the bulk of the space, then do a final batch thats nice and creamy to smooth on and get it really nice. I like to use something flat like the back side of a butter knife. I also find that getting my fingers wet and rubbing the surface can smooth out the imperfections. You can also sand the surface once it is fully cured.
Instead of folding the leather around the base of the antlers I use braided leather around them. Another good source of cheap leather is old leather coats.
Thanks for the tips. I’ve considered braided leather around the base but was never convinced I liked the look. Maybe someday I’ll do it.
I tried mounting rack with the half inch plywoood...it came out too "bulky -looking " for my taste. I was able to get the plater of paris off it and will get quarter inch wood instead.
Good to know. Sorry to lead you astray.
You didnt. Im just learning😊
I think that i also put the plaster of paris on too thick (that didnt help with the bulkiness). Thank you for your video..its very good
Heads up hobby lobby no longer does the coupons
Ok, thanks for the heads up.
Molokai bet Axsis Deer ! Do my own Euro Mount , White as my Teeth avd Axsis Hide on Molokai shaped wood !
This works, but I prefer to use a form to put the antlers in. It cost a little more, and you typically have to modify it but then all look the exact same. You can get them from Mckenzie Taxidermy. Also, tape up antler bases so you don't have to scratch the plaster off the antlers after. I put Elmer's Glue in my plaster to help make it stronger. I hit everything with spray glue before I put the leather on.
Good video and some nice ideas. New sub to.
Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching and subscribing!
Hey thanks for the video, why plaster of Paris and not something else?
Frankly it’s just what I’ve always used and it works well. It’s easy to work with, easy to clean up, easy to sand once it’s dry. I just haven’t found the need to try something else.
@@TheBudgetSportsman I did a 1 part concrete and 1 part plaster of Paris and it cracks in half every time I pick it up. I'll try just your way this time. Thanks for the help and response
I have the skull cap cut and very clean. I slow boiled it in bleach water for 20 min. The marrow areas are white, but how long do I wait to put on the Plaster of Paris?
I may be wrong on this, but if its clean and dry, then I go for it.
The hard part for me (well there were several hard parts) was shaping the backer board. Any tips on how to do this? Just eyeballing it, mine came out pretty bad.
One tip would be to fold a paper in half and trace it and cut it out (just like cutting out hearts when you were a kid). At least that way it will be symmetrical
@@TheBudgetSportsman Wow, that was fast. I was even faster though, lol. I bought one of those kits that comes with a think plastic piece to cover the base. I will use that as a template on some 12" x 12" x 1/4" planks I also bought.
Do you sell those arrow back boards if so I’m interested?
I do not. I made a few of my own, and had a guy with a CNC machine make some more, but he doesn't seem interested in making more of them.
How do you join the braided leather finish and where do you put the seam where the ends meet? Good video thanks
Usually to get started we just put a rubber band around the ends a few times. To finish it off we use hot glue to hold everything in place and put the ends at the top behind one of the antler bases.
Could you use the hide of the deer instead of leather
I never have, but I believe you could. It would need to be properly tanned and preserved.
Dose drywall putty work the same for the plaster
I don’t know. I’ve never tried it. Here is my guess: drywall putty is normally spread on thin not as a big ball, it might take longer to dry.
Is it ok to use a half inch piece of plywood for small piece that skull is attached to?
Sure I don’t see why that would be a problem. It’s plenty thick and would probably want to sand a bevel in the edge so you get a nice blend with the plaster.
Thank you!
Are you sure your template is 1/4 "? It looks like 1/2 to me.
I believe it may actually be 3/8”. It is definitely not 1/2
Thanks
I subbed thanks for this
Thank you!!!
no thankyou
Just tried it, still in process. The plaster of Paris was very runny, so I went 4:1. Can you include more video if app,using the braid, especially what you did with the ends?
I just house hot glue to secure the ends and hide the seems behind the antler.
@@TheBudgetSportsman did you cut the rubber banded ends off or hide them and glue in place?
@jerseyhomestead6812 took off the rubber bands and glued them
@@TheBudgetSportsman thank you, I’ll let you know how it goes
Finished! Turned out well for a first try, thank you for the video and advice! I’d send you a picture but don’t know how, lol.
How do you do the one with the tacs or nails around the scull holding the leather I love that look. Like the one on the left side in your thumbnail
Thanks for the question. It is a cool look, but I quit doing it that way because it is much harder to accomplish. I'll explain it the best I can, assuming you watched the video. Instead of wrapping the leather around the plaster and backing plywood, you would actually screw that to your plaque first and then cover with leather. It is difficult because using the method I showed in the video, you can pull the staples out of the leather and reposition if needed to get all the wrinkles out of the leather. If you use the tacks, once you have a tack through the leather, you know have a hole. Sure you can keep the tack in the same whole, and just put it into the wood a different spot, but then you have a hard time keeping all of the spacing between tacks the same. If you like the look, then I am not trying to discourage you from doing it, you are just going to need to take your time and be patient. Also you will want to pre-drill the holes for the tacks. If not you will have to pound them in with the hammer, and will end up marking up your tacks. If you pre-drill you can use a soft rubber mallet, or cover your hammer with a piece of leather and then just softly tap them into place.
Hope this helps.
@@TheBudgetSportsman thanks man!
What were the silver buttons you used? Like that look and was hoping you were going to show that
They are upholstery tacks. I like the look but I find that method much harder to do. Instead of wrapping the plaster and wood backing before mounting to your plaque, you would screw it to the plaque first. Then you would cover it with your leather using the upholstery tacks to hold it in place. There are a couple of difficult things with this method. First you don’t want to beat on the tacks with a hammer so you usually have to pre-drill. Second it can be hard to get them evenly spaced. Third, (this is a big one) it is very difficult to get an even edge all the way around. And finally (this is the biggest) it is often difficult to get all the wrinkles out. This is true with the method I showed in the video but it is easy to remove staples and readjust as necessary. Using the tack method it is harder to readjust once you have a hole through your leather.
That being said, if you like the look then it’s probably worth the effort for a mount your proud of. If you have any questions feel free to message The Budget Sportsman on Facebook and I would be glad to share some more pictures and ideas of a few mounts I’ve done that way.
@@TheBudgetSportsman i was planning to try this with the 8 pointer i got a few days ago. Maybe for my first one ill just try the way you showed with the staples. Thank you for the video ill definitely be watching it a few more times while i work on it! Looks like a trip to the craft store is in order. Thanks again!
Your welcome. Congrats on your buck and please let me know how it turns out!
Question: You used only plaster to create the mount but others use a mix of plaster and Quik-crete. Have you had any issues with the strength of the mount by using only plaster?
I have had at least one crack once it was fully dried, however I usually sand them after they are dry. Once sanded and covered in leather you cannot see the crack and the mount is certainly not going to fall apart.
where can I buy a mouting kit
This is not a kit. This is something that I put together from pieces. If you’re interested in copying this, there are links in the description of the video for some of the materials you will need.
I’m not a fan of pre-made kits but if you want to go that way there are many on amazon or outdoor sites like cabelas
Here’s an example
Walnut Hollow Country Deluxe Antler Mount Kit, Solid Pine Rustic Barn Board Finish www.amazon.com/dp/B01G2O99Y0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3fldFb7D392CF
Shit eater didn't you watch the video ya nit wit
Thanks for the video, it help me a lot. I'm wondering how you end the braided loop around the cap? I mean, did you make any special knot to make a nice joint between the start and the end of the braided leather?
Usually we hide the ends behind one of the antler bases and just glue them down. Usually use hot glue to glue one end down which also holds the braid together. We use a small rubber band to hold the other end together while we work the braid around the mount. When you get all the way around, you can take the rubber band off, trim to length and glue the end down.
@@TheBudgetSportsman Thanks for the tips!
cord hemp cheap cheap!!
Thanks for the tip and thanks for watching!
Rawhide boot laces or braided rope too.
Question do you have to cleah the horn itself with anything before taking in house, infection purposes for my kids?
I might clean it with some warm soapy water and an old tooth brush if you are worried. If you boil the antlers with the skull it can discolor your antlers.
How did you clean the plaster off the base of the horns ?
I usually use hot water and an old tooth brush. If it’s down in the cracks it might take several times if scrubbing. Really I probably should try taping off the base of the antlers before I plaster.
Tape them before you apply the plaster no clean up required.
Thank you. I will be trying my first one soon.
Your welcome. I would love to hear how it turns out!