i found a set of blacktail deer sheds today 22 inch high by 25 or 26 inch spread 4 point by 5 point biggest ones i have ever seen. any one ever mounted shed horns before i was wondering how well they turn out ? are they just as solid on the mount as a deer on the skull? what extra cost will i be looking at to mount them as aposed to killed deer
thanks
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Larry, I've done shoulder mounts many times using shed antlers. Very important to get a solid strong attatchment. You can buy a rig from some suppliers but I use a piece of all threaded rod inserted into each base several inches and bent to give the proper seperation of the bases. I also drill a smaller hole in each one which I run a screw into but not quite all the way. Use some wire twisted around the screws and the rod (the screws prevent the antlers from twisting). Set up with a little bondo and shape the new skull plate. Using some small pieces of wood and short wire as reenforcement in the bondo helps make a solid attatchment. Like all things in taxidermy a good reference is important. Have another rack handy for comparison and you should do fine. Finally, avoid the temptation to make the rack look bigger or wider than it seems to have been. Enjoy, Aaron H.
Those are REALLY big blacktail sheds...could they hybrids instead? Is there a brow-tyne?...any burrs? I am in Chilliwack and we have many hybrid Mule/blacktail deer in this area. Some display some VERY nice "blacktail" antlers but they are really without a doubt, hybrid bucks.
As far as mounting them?...no problem. Many taxidermy suppliers offer skull plates for just such a project (this is the least fo your worries) for a minor cost. All you need to do is buy a nice cape, and this is where you or you r taxidermist wants to be picky. Be sure to get a good-sized blacktail cape of a decent size and not just a small Mule Deer cape...you will be happier with the results.
Drop me an email if you are in BC and looking for a taxidermist.