How to Remove Elk Antlers

Soon after shooting a bull elk, you'll be thinking about how to display your trophy. You can have a taxidermist do a shoulder mount or do an antler mount yourself. The antlers have to come off either way. For a shoulder mount, the taxidermist may or may not want to take care of the head himself. To mount the antlers yourself, they have to come off the head but still be attached to a piece of the skull.

Things You'll Need

• Fine tooth saw
• Knife

Instructions

1. Check with your taxidermist before your hunt for skinning recommendations.

2. Cut the skull from above the nasal cavity all the way through the back of the head.

3. Remove as much tissue as possible from the skull plate with a skinning knife.

4. Put the skull plate outside and insects will remove the rest of the tissue. A wire cage around the skull plate and antlers will prevent other wildlife from gnawing on the bone and antlers.

References

• Hunt Washington State: Caping Taxidermy