Mounted moose antlers can be a decorative addition to a rec or game room. Mounting just the antlers rather than a taxidermist's mount of the head reduces the cost of the trophy and makes it a do-it-yourself project.
Items you will need
Moose antlers
Saw
Wood plaque
Power drill
Wood screws
Velvet or buckskin
Cut a display plaque out of wood. While the dimensions of the plaque are a matter of taste, the wood should be at least 1 1/4 inches thick to allow deeper penetration for the screws that will attach the antlers to the plaque. The design of the plaque is also a matter of taste. For example, an arrowhead may be appropriate for a trophy taken with archery equipment. Stain and finish the plaque with the desired colors.
Trim the skull plate of the moose to the minimum material necessary to hold the antlers together. Shape or file the back of the skull plate so the antlers are at a pleasing angle when the skull plate is held against the plaque.
Pre-drill two holes through the skull plate. Fasten the skull plate to the plaque with screws sized to penetrate the plaque at least one inch after passing through the skull plate.
Cover the skull plate with decorative materials. Velvet and buckskin are the two most common materials, but most materials will work. The material can be nailed to the plaque with decorative nails or tucked under the skull plate and glued in place.
Warnings
- Use heavy hanging hardware on the back of the plaque. Also use a heavy nail or screw in the wall. A large set of antlers can weigh as much as 40 pounds.
Tips
- Decorative items such as arrows or other mementoes of the hunt can also be mounted to the plaque. A picture from the hunt can also be added to the plaque.
References
Tips
- Decorative items such as arrows or other mementoes of the hunt can also be mounted to the plaque. A picture from the hunt can also be added to the plaque.
Warnings
- Use heavy hanging hardware on the back of the plaque. Also use a heavy nail or screw in the wall. A large set of antlers can weigh as much as 40 pounds.
Writer Bio
Keith Allen, a 1979 graduate of Valley City State College, has worked at a variety of jobs including computer operator, medical clinic manager, radio talk show host and potato sorter. For over five years he has worked as a newspaper reporter and historic researcher. His works have appeared in regional newspapers in North Dakota and in "North Dakota Horizons" and "Cowboys and Indians" magazines.
