For years, I’ve always felt a bit uneasy about those typical hunting “success” photos taken in the back of a truck. To me, truly honoring a harvest means photographing the hunter with their animal right where the hunt happened, ideally with their trusty Mossy Oak camo and the firearm or bow used. Taking the extra moments to stage these elements shows respect for the animal and perfectly captures the hunt’s story, ready to be retold for years.
This same feeling extends to how we treat the antlers from our successful hunts. I’ve seen too many magnificent racks tossed into garage corners or barns, almost as an afterthought. It’s like they become invisible, lost to memory. Just as a well-composed trophy photo elevates the hunt, displaying your trophy properly keeps the respect alive and the stories flowing.
That’s why I’ve become a huge advocate for the European-style skull mount for deer, elk, and other big game. It’s a stylish and respectful way to showcase your harvest, far superior to letting antlers gather dust in some forgotten corner. A Euro Mount looks fantastic, it’s definitely trending in the hunting world, and most importantly, it ensures the animal and the hunt are remembered.
But European mounts aren’t new. They’ve been around for ages. So, why are they suddenly becoming the “cool” way to preserve big game trophies among hunters now?
When I harvested my first mature buck as a young hunter, a shoulder mount was immediately what I envisioned. However, a quick chat with my local taxidermist brought me back to reality. I realized I’d need to save up quite a bit. Living in a small town does have its advantages, though. My taxidermist, knowing my family, offered a deal: a $100 deposit, and the remaining $250 due upon completion. Excited, I jumped at the opportunity. For the next four and a half months, I diligently saved and finally secured my first shoulder mount.
However, like many hunters, I fell into the trap of thinking shoulder mounts were only for exceptional “trophy” animals. Years later, a simple statement resonated with me: “If the animal was worthy of harvesting, it’s worthy of being proudly displayed.”
This is where the beauty of a skull mount, or European mount, comes in. It’s perfect for any sportsman who cherishes the hunt. They are more budget-friendly, take up less space, and the turnaround time is significantly faster. These key benefits, combined with the increasing creativity in displaying skull mounts, are, in my opinion, why they’ve surged in popularity recently.
The Cost-Effective Advantage of Euro Mounts
Back when I was a young man saving for that shoulder mount, the $350 price tag felt substantial. Today, shoulder mount costs have skyrocketed. Across the United States, expect to pay a minimum of $500, often closer to $600, for a white-tailed deer shoulder mount. In stark contrast, a European mount averages around $150, often including a plaque or mounting hardware. If you opt for just the skull to be cleaned and whitened, the cost can be as low as $75.
For dedicated hunters who consistently harvest mature bucks annually, the expense of shoulder mounts can quickly add up. Furthermore, the spatial footprint of multiple shoulder mounts is considerably larger compared to sleek skull mounts. Euro mounts offer a significantly more economical and space-saving solution for displaying your hard-earned trophies.
Quick Turnaround Time: Enjoy Your Trophy Sooner
Another compelling reason for the popularity of euro mounts is their rapid turnaround time. Shoulder mounts are a lengthy process, often taking several months from drop-off to completion. In hunter’s terms, if you harvest a buck in the fall, you might not see your mount back until spring turkey season rolls around. The wait can be so long you almost forget the details of the buck!
European mounts, however, can be completed in a matter of days in some cases. I’ve always appreciated this aspect, as the excitement of the hunt and harvest is still fresh. This quick return keeps you connected to the experience, unlike the longer wait for shoulder mounts where your focus may have shifted to spring pursuits like turkey hunting or fishing.
Taxidermists I consulted in my home state confirmed the increasing demand for skull mounts over the past decade or so. However, they also noted that shoulder mounts still constitute a larger portion of their business, estimating around 40 skull mounts compared to 150 shoulder mounts annually.
The quick turnaround is particularly impactful for DIY enthusiasts and those who offer skull mount services as a side business. In my rural community, I know of at least five individuals who process 40 to 50 skull mounts each season. Some utilize bug boxes, letting nature do the cleaning, while others employ knives and power washers before whitening the skull. Regardless of the method, they can efficiently complete mounts, generating extra income while providing a valuable service to fellow hunters.
Versatile Display Options: Tailor Your Trophy Presentation
Finally, the sheer versatility in displaying European skull mounts is a major driver of their popularity. The options are truly limitless.
I’ve seen euro mounts creatively displayed in countless ways. From simply resting on kitchen cabinets as rustic décor to becoming conversation starters on coffee tables in recreation rooms. They are also often incorporated into natural settings like old fence posts, pieces of driftwood, or custom-made wooden plaques.
For a more refined approach, manufactured mounting systems are readily available. I’ve personally become a fan of Skull Hooker Wall Mounts and Desk Mounts. Both designs offer secure and stylish ways to showcase your euro mount on walls or flat surfaces, impressing friends, family, and visitors alike.
I’ve utilized the Skull Hooker Table Mount on my desk, kitchen table, and as a decorative element throughout my home. Its portability makes rearranging and repositioning the mount within different spaces effortless and safe, preventing any damage to the trophy.
After investing so much time and effort into the hunt, why relegate your antlers to a dusty corner? Hunting is about more than just the harvest; it’s about honoring the animal, creating lasting memories, and expressing gratitude for the privilege of bringing home a trophy. A euro mount is a cost-effective yet dignified way to display your success, ensuring your hunting memories are celebrated for years to come. Next time you consider setting those antlers aside, consider a European mount – a humble yet impactful way to showcase your harvest.
