Custom Deer Antler Mounting Plaques | Whitetail Woodcrafters (2024)

FAQs

How much does a antler mount cost? ›

I wrap the plaque in aluminum foil and drill two holes into the skull plate. Utilize two wooden screws to secure or mount your deer rack to the plaque. Make sure to not over tighten the screws and if the screws go through the back of the plaque you can always grind them down.

The most common method of mounting deer antlers on a plaque involves keeping the antlers intact with the skull plate. In this case, you remove the antlers, keeping them connected to the skull plate, by sawing down into the skull in front of both antlers and just behind the eye sockets.

The quickest option of preserving deer antler skull caps is to clean off the tissue and then simply apply some borax. Let it dry thoroughly. In most cases, this option is plenty adequate for a lifetime of zero issues, but you do need to be careful of humidity levels and exposure to bugs.

The value of shoulder mounts is related to the quality of the taxidermy, but the average shoulder mount of a whitetail scoring under 150 inches sells for between $350 and $450. Larger bucks demand a higher price, with the best mounts from deer scoring above 150 inches selling for $1,000 or more.

That said, if a set of deer antler sheds reaches Boone & Crockett status, these become somewhat easier to sell. The bigger they are, the easier it gets. For example, according to GoHunt, a 180-inch set is worth $150-200. Furthermore, it reports that a 200-inch set is worth about $400.

Boil the antlers outside.

Fill a large cooking pot with water and, for best results, a pinch of salt. Allow it to reach a boil on a stove or a fire pit. Once it boils, submerge the entire antler in the cooking pot and allow to boil for 30 minutes. This step is important for removing dangerous bacteria from the antlers.

Glue for bone/antler and wood

Very reliable bonds, even when using woods which contain oil, can be obtained using resorcinol glue.

Antlers can cause painful fractured teeth. Smaller antler pieces could pose a choking hazard.

The removal of antlers, or de-antlering, of deer is performed to help protect other animals and handlers from injury. However, antlers are also removed in the production of antler velvet which is used for medicinal purposes.

Are antlers good for plaque? ›

Yes, deer antlers are safe for older dogs. In fact, they may offer particular benefits for senior dogs. Deer antlers provide a durable chewing option that can help maintain dental health by scraping away plaque and tartar, which is especially important as dogs age and dental issues become more common.

Current Pricing

Fortunately, Ashley Eve, a taxidermist in Oklahoma, polled taxidermists across the continent, including Canada. She asked what each taxidermist charged their customers. From 632 responses, she determined the average cost of a deer mount in America is $721.35.

Alaska leads with the highest taxidermy fees at a price of $954, followed by Washington at $952. The most budget-friendly states to have your deer mounted seem to be places like Delaware ($525), Alabama ($548), and North Carolina ($582).

The antlers are prized by collectors and others to use for things like decorations, door handles, chandeliers, chairs, wall art, dog chews and as traditional medicine in China and Asia.