Have you ever wanted to do a European mount of your own trophy, but were put off by the thought of boiling the skull? If so, then this guide is for you! This method for doing a European mount without boiling is simple, effective, and doesn’t require any special equipment. With just a few household supplies and a little bit of patience, you can create a beautiful and lasting display of your hunting success.
What Is a European Mount, and Why Would You Want to Do One?
A European mount is a taxidermy mount in which the animal’s skull is cleaned and preserved, and the antlers or horns are removed. The skull is then mounted on a plaque or wall.
There are a few reasons why someone might want to do a European mount. Firstly, it can be a way to honor and preserve the animal after it has been hunted. Secondly, it can be a beautiful and unique piece of home decor. Thirdly, it can be a conversation starter and help create a connection with nature.
What Are the Steps Involved in Doing a European Mount?
There are a few different ways that people can go about doing a European mount, but the most common way is to first boiling the skull. This is done to help remove any remaining flesh and tissue. Some people will then use a wire brush to remove any remaining bits before bleaching the skull. This is done to help remove any remaining bits before bleaching the skull. After the bleaching process, the skull is then ready to be mounted.
What Are the Supplies You’ll Need to Do a European Mount?
There are a few different ways that you can do a European mount, but the most common way is to boil the skull. This will loosen the flesh and make it easier to remove. You will need a large pot or boiling vessel, enough water to cover the skull, and some sort of wire or hanger to suspend the skull in the water. You will also need something to scrape the flesh off of the skull with once it is boiled. This can be a putty knife, wire brush, or even a power washer. Once the skull is clean, you can either paint it or leave it natural.
How to Properly Skin and Clean the Skull for a European Mount
Assuming you have the proper tools, you will want to first make a cut around the base of the skull, and then peel the skin away from the skull. Be careful not to damage the skull during this process. Next, you will want to remove the brain and other tissues from the skull. This can be done by boiling the skull in water, or using a chemical cleaner. Once the skull is clean, you can then mount it however you like.
How to Degrease the Skull for a European Mount
In order to degrease the skull for a European mount, you will need to remove all of the flesh and connective tissue from the bone. This can be done by using a variety of methods, including boiling, dermestid beetles, or a rotary tool with a wire brush attachment. Once the skull is free of flesh, it can then be soaked in a degreasing solution, such as bleach or ammonia, for 24-48 hours. After degreasing, the skull should be cleaned with soap and water, and then allowed to air dry.
How to Whiten the Skull for a European Mount
- First, remove all the flesh from the skull using a sharp knife.
- Next, boil the skull in a large pot of water for about an hour.
- After boiling, rinse the skull in clean water and then soak it in a bleach solution for 24 hours.
- Finally, rinse the skull well and allow it to air dry.
How to Assemble and Display Your European Mount
- Start by boiling the skull in a large pot of water for 3-4 hours. This will help to loosen the flesh and make it easier to remove.
- Next, remove the skull from the pot and use a wire brush or scraper to remove any remaining flesh. Be sure to clean the skull thoroughly inside and out.
- Once the skull is clean, you can whiten it by soaking it in a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water.
- Once the skull is whitened, you can choose to mount it on a plaque or display it in a shadow box. If you are mounting it on a plaque, you will need to drill holes in the skull so that it can be securely attached.
- To finish, simply add your European mount to your chosen display location.
Frequently Asked Questions[FAQs]
How long Does a European Mount Take to Complete?
A European mount can be completed in a matter of days. However, the amount of time it takes will depend on how clean the skull is to begin with.
Can I Do a European Mount If the Deer Was Shot in the Head?
Yes, you can still do a European mount even if the deer was shot in the head. However, it is important to note that the skull will likely be damaged and it may be more difficult to clean.
How Do I Clean the Skull If It Is Damaged?
If the skull is damaged, you may need to use a power washer to remove any remaining flesh and brain matter. You can also soak the skull in bleach for 24 hours to help with the cleaning process.
How do I Preserve the Skull Once It Is Clean?
Once the skull is clean, you will need to preserve it to prevent it from rotting. There are a few different ways to preserve a skull. One is to soak it in a mixture of one part bleach to ten parts water. Another is to soak it in a mixture of one part Borax to ten parts water. Finally, you can coat the skull in a layer of clear lacquer.
What Are the Benefits of Doing a European Mount over Boiling the Skull?
There are a few benefits to doing a European mount over boiling the skull. One is that it is a much faster process. European mounts can be completed in a matter of days as opposed to the weeks it can take to boil a skull. Additionally, European mounts require less equipment and less space than boiling a skull. Finally, some people believe that European mounts have a more polished look than boiled skulls.
Conclusion
You are interested in doing a European mount of your own, there are a few things you need to do. First, you will need to skin the animal and remove the meat from the skull. Next, you will need to clean the skull thoroughly. Once the skull is clean, you will need to bleached it to remove any remaining tissue. Finally, you will need to let the skull dry completely before mounting it.
