10 Easy Steps to European Mount a Whitetail Deer

Delve into the Intricate Art of European Mounting Whitetail Deer: A Guide to Preserving Nature’s Splendor

As a testament to the beauty and grandeur of the natural world, taxidermy has been practiced for centuries, capturing the essence of animals and preserving their form beyond their lifetime. Among the various methods of taxidermy, European mounting stands out as a unique and captivating way to commemorate the majestic whitetail deer. This intricate process involves meticulously preserving the skull, antlers, and associated tissues, resulting in an elegant and lifelike display that evokes the spirit of the animal. In this comprehensive guide, we will embark on a journey through the steps of European mounting, unraveling the secrets and techniques that will enable you to create a breathtaking and enduring tribute to the whitetail deer.

Step 1: Preparation and Skinning

The initial stage of European mounting involves preparing the skull and antlers for preservation. Immediately after harvesting, the head should be cooled to prevent spoilage. The skinning process is crucial and requires careful removal of the skin from the skull, leaving the antlers intact. Once the skin is removed, the skull is boiled to soften the tissues and facilitate further cleaning. The antlers are then separated from the skull and degreased to prepare them for mounting.

Equipment Needed for a European Mount

To create a European mount, you will need the following equipment:

Tools

– Bone saw or hacksaw
– Utility knife
– Wire brush
– Sandpaper (100-grit, 220-grit)
– Drill
– Screwdriver
– Pliers
– Measuring tape

Materials

– Skull
– Bleach
– Wood glue
– Epoxy
– Screws
– Picture hanger or wire

Safety Gear

– Gloves
– Safety glasses
– Dust mask

Tool	Purpose
Bone saw or hacksaw	To cut the skull from the neck
Utility knife	To remove flesh and tissue from the skull
Wire brush	To clean the skull
Sandpaper	To smooth the skull and prepare it for bleaching
Drill	To create holes for screws and picture hanger
Screwdriver	To drive screws
Pliers	To bend wire and cut zip ties
Measuring tape	To measure the skull and determine screw placement
Gloves	To protect your hands from sharp edges and chemicals
Safety glasses	To protect your eyes from flying debris
Dust mask	To protect your lungs from bone dust and bleach fumes

Locating the Exit Point for the Antlers

Finding the correct exit point for the antlers is crucial to ensure a clean and precise European mount. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Examine the Skull

Start by studying the deer’s skull. Look for the natural ridge or protrusion on the back of the skull where the antlers emerge. This ridge acts as a guide for the antler exit point.

2. Measure the Distance

Using a ruler or tape measure, determine the distance from the ridge to the center of the antlers. Multiply this distance by 1.5 to find the ideal exit point for the antlers. This ratio ensures that the antlers protrude slightly above the skull for a natural look.

3. Mark the Exit Point

Mark the exit point on the back of the skull using a pencil or scribe. This will serve as a reference point when drilling the holes for the antlers.

4. Consider the Antler Spread

If the deer has a wide antler spread, you may need to adjust the exit point slightly to accommodate the antlers’ curvature. Measure the distance between the two antler bases and use that measurement to center the exit point.

Measurement	Calculation
Ridge to Antler Center	Multiply by 1.5
Wide Antler Spread	Center the exit point between antler bases

Removing the Skull from the Deer Head

Before you can begin the process of European mounting a whitetail deer, you must first remove the skull from the head. This can be a challenging process, but it is essential to do it carefully to avoid damaging the skull.

1. Skin the Head

The first step is to skin the head. Make a cut down the center of the neck and continue it around the base of the skull. Be careful not to cut into the skull itself. Once the skin is loose, pull it back over the deer’s head.

2. Remove the Tongue and Eyes

Next, remove the tongue and eyes. To remove the tongue, cut it at the base of the jaw and pull it out. To remove the eyes, cut around the outside of each eye socket and pull them out.

3. Cut the Ligaments

The next step is to cut the ligaments that are attaching the skull to the spine. There are two ligaments that need to be cut: the longus colli and the ligamentum nuchae. To cut the longus colli, make a cut down the center of the throat. To cut the ligamentum nuchae, make a cut on the back of the neck, just below the base of the skull.

Once the ligaments have been cut, the skull should be free from the head. However, there may be some pieces of cartilage or muscle that are still attached. These can be carefully removed with a knife or scissors.


Equipment	Uses
Sharp Knife	Skinning the head and cutting the ligaments
Scissors	Removing small pieces of cartilage or muscle

Cleaning the Skull and Removing Flesh

Introduction

Preserving a whitetail deer’s skull requires careful processing to prevent damage and ensure long-term preservation.

Equipment

Process

Flesh Removal

1. Submerge the skull in cold water for 12-24 hours to soften the flesh.

2. Using a fleshing knife or rotary tool, carefully remove all flesh and tissue from the skull.

3. Pay special attention to the nasal cavity, eye sockets, and antler bases.

4. Scrape away as much flesh as possible. Use a dental pick or a small brush to reach hard-to-access areas.

5. Soak the skull again in hot water for 30 minutes to loosen any remaining tissue.

6. Repeat steps 2-3 until all visible flesh is removed.

Preparing the Skull for Mounting

Step 1: Remove the Skull

Use a sharp knife to carefully cut around the base of the skull, separating it from the body. Be sure to cut through all the muscle and connective tissue.

Step 2: Boil the Skull

Place the skull in a large pot of boiling water and simmer for 30-45 minutes. This will help to soften the tissue and make it easier to remove.

Step 3: Remove the Tissue

Use a spoon or your fingers to carefully remove all of the tissue from the skull. Be gentle, as you don’t want to damage the bone.

Step 4: Bleach the Skull

Soak the skull in a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water for 24 hours. This will help to whiten the bone and remove any remaining tissue.

Step 5: Seal the Skull

Once the skull is bleached, it is important to seal it to protect it from the elements. You can use a clear sealant or a spray paint designed for bone.

Equipment	Purpose
Bucket	Holding water for soaking and rinsing
Fleshing knife	Removing flesh and tissue
Rotary tool (optional)	Speeding up flesh removal
Scrub brush	Cleaning the skull
Dental pick (optional)	Removing debris from tiny crevices

Sealing Method	Pros	Cons
Clear Sealant	– Protects the bone from moisture and UV rays – Gives the bone a natural finish	– Can be more difficult to apply evenly – May require multiple coats
Spray Paint	– Easy to apply – Provides a uniform finish	– Can be less durable than clear sealant – May give the bone an artificial look

Bleaching the Skull for a Clean Finish

Bleaching the skull is an essential step for achieving a professional-looking European mount. It helps remove any remaining blood, tissue, and stains, resulting in a clean, white finish that will enhance the aesthetic appeal of your mount.

To bleach the skull effectively, follow these steps:

Materials: Gather the necessary materials, including hydrogen peroxide (3-6%), baking soda, gloves, and a bucket or container.
Create a Solution: In the bucket or container, mix 50% hydrogen peroxide and 50% water. Do not use full-strength hydrogen peroxide, as it can damage the bone.
Immerse the Skull: Fully submerge the skull in the solution. Ensure that all parts of the bone, including the antlers, are submerged.
Soak for 24-48 Hours: Allow the skull to soak for 24-48 hours. The longer it soaks, the more noticeable the whitening effect will be.
Monitor the Progress: Check on the skull periodically to monitor the progress. Once the desired level of whiteness is achieved, remove it from the solution.
Create a Paste: Mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste. Apply this paste to the skull, focusing on any remaining stains or discoloration.
Wipe Clean: After applying the paste, allow it to sit for 30-60 minutes. Then, wipe the skull clean with water to remove the paste and any residual hydrogen peroxide.
Rinse and Dry: Rinse the skull thoroughly with water to remove all traces of chemicals. Allow it to air-dry completely before reassembling the mount.

Tips:

Wear gloves when handling hydrogen peroxide.
Do not use bleach, as it can damage the bone.
If the skull is particularly stained, consider soaking it for longer.
Be patient and allow ample time for the skull to whiten.

Mounting the Antlers on the Skull

Once the antlers have been prepared, you can mount them on the skull:

7. Attach the Antlers to the Skull

Use marine epoxy to attach the antlers to the skull. Apply the epoxy to the inside of the antler bases and set them onto the skull. Hold them in place with clamps until the epoxy has set. If the antlers are loose, you can use wood filler to secure them. Once the antlers are mounted, you can clean up any excess epoxy or wood filler.

Here’s a table summarizing how to mount the antlers on the skull:

Step	Description
1	Apply marine epoxy to the inside of the antler bases.
2	Set the antlers onto the skull.
3	Hold the antlers in place with clamps until the epoxy has set.
4	If the antlers are loose, use wood filler to secure them.
5	Clean up any excess epoxy or wood filler.

Sealing the Skull for Preservation

Properly sealing the skull is crucial for preserving it for many years to come. This section provides a detailed guide to effectively seal your whitetail deer skull.

First and foremost, gather the necessary materials, including a degreaser, degreasing solution (e.g., acetone), hydrogen peroxide (3%), wood glue (e.g., Titebond II), and a brush.

Next, thoroughly degrease the skull with a degreaser and degreasing solution to eliminate any remaining fat or grease, which can accelerate the decomposition of bone.

After degreasing, remove any excess flesh or tissue from the skull using a sharp knife or scalpel. Proceed to whiten the skull by soaking it in a hydrogen peroxide solution for 24-48 hours.

Once the skull is whitened, allow it to dry completely before applying a thin layer of wood glue to all exposed bone surfaces, including the antlers (if applicable). This will seal the pores and prevent moisture from penetrating the bone.

Additional Tips for Effective Sealing:

Use a soft brush to apply the wood glue evenly.
Allow the glue to dry for at least 24 hours before handling the skull.
If necessary, apply a second layer of glue for added protection.
Store the sealed skull in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent mold or mildew growth.

Material	Purpose
Degreaser and degreasing solution	Remove fat and grease
Hydrogen peroxide (3%)	Whiten the skull
Wood glue (e.g., Titebond II)	Seal the bone surface

Displaying the European Mount

Once the European mount is complete, it’s time to display it proudly. There are several ways to do this, depending on your personal preference and the space available.

One popular option is to mount the skull on a wooden plaque. This provides a clean and classic look that allows the skull to be the focal point. You can also choose to mount the skull on a piece of antlers or a piece of driftwood, which will give it a more rustic appearance.

Another option is to hang the skull from the ceiling using a wire or cord. This can create a dramatic effect, especially if the skull is hung in a high-traffic area. However, it’s important to make sure that the skull is securely hung so that it doesn’t fall and cause damage.

Table: Display Options for European Mount Whitetail Deer

Display Option	Advantages	Disadvantages
Wooden Plaque	Clean and classic look, easy to display	May not be as durable as other options
Antlers	Rustic and natural look, adds a unique touch	May be difficult to find antlers that are the right size and shape
Driftwood	Unique and eye-catching, can add a coastal flair	May not be as durable as other options
Ceiling Hang	Dramatic and attention-grabbing, makes the skull a focal point	Requires careful hanging to prevent damage

Ultimately, the best way to display your European mount is the way that you feel best suits the skull and your personal style. With a little creativity, you can create a unique and eye-catching display that will be a conversation starter for years to come.

Materials Needed:

– Skull
– Sharp knife
– Saw
– Wire
– Drill
– Screws
– Sandpaper
– Paint or stain

Instructions:

1. Remove the skull from the deer’s head.
2. Cut the skin away from the skull.
3. Saw the antlers off of the skull.
4. Drill a hole in the bottom of the skull.
5. Insert a wire through the hole and attach it to the antlers.
6. Hang the skull in a dry place to dry.
7. Once the skull is dry, sand it smooth.
8. Paint or stain the skull to your desired finish.

Troubleshooting Tips for a Successful European Mount

Problem: The skull is not clean.

– Solution: Soak the skull in hot water and soap, then scrub it with a stiff brush.

Problem: The antlers are loose.

– Solution: Drill a hole in the bottom of each antler and insert a screw to secure it to the skull.

Problem: The skull is too heavy to hang.

– Solution: Drill a hole in the back of the skull and insert a screw to attach it to a wall or a piece of wood.

Problem: The skull is discolored.

– Solution: Bleach the skull with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water.

Problem: The skull is damaged.

– Solution: Repair the damage with epoxy or wood filler.

Problem: The skull is infested with bugs.

– Solution: Freeze the skull for several days to kill the bugs.

How to European Mount Whitetail Deer

European mounts are a beautiful and unique way to display your deer hunting trophies. They are relatively easy to make, and can be done at home with a few simple tools. Here are the steps on how to European mount a whitetail deer:

Remove the skull from the deer. To do this, you will need to cut the skin around the base of the skull and then use a saw to cut through the bone. Be careful not to damage the antlers.
Boil the skull. This will help to remove the flesh from the skull and make it easier to clean.
Clean the skull. Use a brush and water to remove any remaining flesh or tissue from the skull.
Whiten the skull. This can be done using a variety of methods, such as boiling it in hydrogen peroxide or using a commercial whitening kit.
Seal the skull. This will help to protect the skull from damage and keep it looking its best.

Once you have completed these steps, your European mount will be finished. You can now display it in your home or office, or give it as a gift to a friend or family member.