Attaching Antlers To A Skullplate

[Dc taxidermy]

A request from Micheal P. from over a year ago. I finally did this and had the camera in the shop. So Micheal here ya go.



First thing I do is take a small set of antlers and saw the antlers off the skullplate. I cut them as close to the burr as possible.







Then I place the skulplate in the vice to hold it. I take a marker and crosslines on the pedicle to find center. Then drill a 5/16hole in the center.




Next I take the antlers and drill a hole in the center of them large enough to accept a 5/16 bolt. I wallow the bottom of the hole some you will see why in a minute.








Then I mix up some bondo and fill the holes in the botom of the antlers.




Then I insert the bolts.




Then place the antlers onto the skullplate.




You may have to do a little modification to the holes to get everything to line up just right.




Next take and put the nuts on the bolts and snug them to hold the antlers.




If your mounting sheds you are pretty much done, these are a set of cut-offs. I have to rebuild the burs. I mix up some allgame and build the pedicles to match the antlers.








After this dries I mix up some more and rebuild the burrs.





All thats left is staining and blending.





I'll take a picture of the dried rack tomorrow, and post it on here.

[redbluffcustoms]

Great job DC, i have to take a look at them when i get to shop. thanks for good info, it could come in handy down the road, redbluff

[Dc taxidermy]

Ok heres some pics of the finished rack. I painted the skullplate so the antlers would show up better.






If You have any questions just ask, I'll try to help.

[michael p.]

Awesome DC....thanks!!   I got a set of stag horns i'm gonna try that on!

[Donnie C. (DeeCee)]

Thats pretty cool!

[Dc taxidermy]

It takes a little fanessing on setting the antlers on the skull plate, but after you do a few they are easy. I can do a set in about a hour, actual work time.

[Jome]

Really cool thats is.

[Dc taxidermy]

I see alot of people asking about attaching sheds to skullplate, so I thought I'd move it to the top.

[disabled]

thanks for the tips john

[nutcase]

Why did the original burr get cut off of the antler? Did you do that for tutorial purposes?

[JEJ]

nutcase, probably a penned deer.  Sometimes they are darted and horns removed.  Cannot cut them below the burrs or you'll permantely damage the deer, as it is still alive.

[Dc taxidermy]

These did come off a penned deer.