How to Mount Deer Antlers at Home

If you were successful in hunting a deer and want to display the antlers, you might want to have the satisfaction of mounting the antlers on your own -- and save the taxidermist's fee. With the right tools, mounting deer antlers can be accomplished at home in an afternoon.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Oak 1-inch by 8-inch plank
• Jigsaw
• Sandpaper
• Deer antlers
• Electric drill
• Heavy-duty screws
• Elk hide or leather
• Metal tacks

1. Prepare the mounting board. Purchase a 1-inch by 8-inch plank from a hardware store or lumber yard. Using a pencil, trace the shape you would like the mounting board to be -- ovals, diamonds or curved plaque shapes are popular choices.

2. Cut out the mounting board shape with a jigsaw. If you have not used a jigsaw before, have someone at the hardware store or a friend who is experienced with jigsaws cut it out for you. Jigsaws can be dangerous if used incorrectly.

3. Sand the edges of the mounting board with sandpaper and coat with polyurethane. Allow the polyurethane to dry at least 24 hours.

4. Drill the deer antlers directly at the base of each antler into the wood mount using heavy-duty screws.

5. Cut out a small square of elk hide or leather that is large enough to hide the base of the antlers, or the skull plate. Wrap the leather tightly around the skull plate and tack in place with metal or brass furniture tacks.

Tips & Warnings

• If fur and skin are still attached to antlers, boil them to clean them before starting the mounting process.
• Do not use a jigsaw unless you are experienced.

References

• Outdoor Life: Mount Your Own Deer Antlers
• Bowhunting: Mount Your Antlers

Resources

• Mount Deer Antlers to the Hood of a Truck