How to Hang a Deer Mount

A deer mount hung on your wall is a way to honor that particular animal. The animal does not have to be a monster Boone and Crockett specimen to bring back happy thoughts of a successful hunt. Hung proudly on your wall, the deer and the memory of that hunt will live on in your mind. Sometimes the sheer size of the animal may make it tough to find the right spot to hang the mount. It is important to take the time to find the best location for that particular deer. Follow these steps to hang that deer and start enjoying your trophy.

Things You'll Need

• Cordless drill
• Drill bits
• Tape measure
• Stud finder
• Screw assortment
• Level
• Screwdriver
• Step ladder

Instructions

1. Survey the room and determine the ideal location for the mount. Take note that even a small buck deer mount requires a lot of area above and below the screw mount area. Measure the mount from the top of the antlers to the base of the mounting plaque with your tape measure to get an idea of the total area required to hang the deer.

2. With the stepladder, start looking for a suitable area to hang the deer based on the measurements from Step 1. Although an anchor and screw may support a deer mount, I always prefer to hang the mount on a screw that has been screwed into a stud. The stud provides plenty of support and the screw will not pull out.

3. Scan the wall where you want to hang the deer with the stud finder to locate a stud. Drill a hole with a small diameter drill bit through the drywall and into the stud. Use the screwdriver or the cordless drill to screw the mounting screw into the stud.

4. 

   Determine what type of mounting bracket is on the back of the mount. Different taxidermists use different brackets, but usually all will hang on a suitable screw. Hang the mount on the screw and make sure the screw fits firmly into the bracket. Adjust the screw out or in as necessary to get a good secure attachment. Make sure the mounting board hangs close to the wall and use the level, if needed, to get the deer hanging straight.

Tips & Warnings

• Get help if the mount is so big that one person cannot handle it easily.

• It may help to just hold the deer on the wall and have someone else look up at the mount to find the right spot for hanging.

• Use caution when climbing ladders.

• Get someone to help if needed.