Longhorn caps

[Travis E.]

What is the best way to mount longhorn caps for a wall mount?  I've heard of using a wooden post, but I'm not sure of how to go about that.  I measured the span from tip-to-tip while it was still on the skull also.  If anyone could lend any advise, it would be greatly appreciated.

[George Roof]

If you're using the complete skull, cut a 2x4 that will fit up into the brain cavity.  Drill several one inch holes through the end up inside the skull and then fill with Bondo.  The bondo will go through the holes and grasp your 2x4.  Cut off the 2x4 flush with the bottom of the skull as it will set on the plaque and then run a wood screw up through the plaque and into the 2x4.  Michael P even has a nice tutorial on it if you check that section.

[Travis E.]

I'm sorry George.  Maybe it was my phrasing of the question or lack if info in the question that resulted in no responses.  I actually am just trying to figure out how to mount just the horns, not a skull mount, or european mount or however else it's refered to as.  I just need to mount the horns without the full skull. I still have the skull plate that was cut off of the skull by the customer and I macerated the skull plate and pressure washed it and trimmed down the cores, as Michael P. demonstrated in his tutorial.  Now I just plan to mount the horns on a plaque, somewhat of how you see in a cafe or sitting above the fireplace inside the hunting cabin.  Or even how they look when you buy them off of ebay.

[George Roof]

The BEST way would be to use the skull CAP then.  Remove the horns from the cores, let the sheaths dry.  Clip the cores so there's only 4 to 6 inches of stub left.  While the cap is drying, screw a 3/4 piece of plywood up into the brain cavity underneath the cap.  Then either foam or papier mache a cap around it to simulate the actual skull.  When cured, carefully cover the skull cap with leather or some other material.  Stick the open ends of the horn sheaths into boiling water for a few minutes ONLY.  Then put a good 5 minute epoxy coating on the horn core stubbs and slide the horn over it.  The boiled end will be soft and pliable so push it hard on to the core and hold it until the epoxy kicks.  Mount on a plaque with screws through the plaque into the plywood.

Without the cap, use the trick they use in Mexico.  Taper a large round dowel to fit up into the horn sheaths.  Fill the sheath with Bondo and shove the dowel in.  Then drill a small hole on the back side of the horn and drive in a nail to insure it doesn't slide off.  Repeat on the other side and then cover the gap with leather, felt, of some material and screw it to a panel.

[Travis E.]

Thanks George