This year, the call for European Mounts has been booming, and it’s no surprise why.
Hunters are leaning toward this raw, no-frills way to showcase their trophies.
These mounts strip it back to basics, focusing on the natural beauty of the animal.
They’re rugged, timeless, and downright badass.
Whether it’s a whitetail deer or a full-grown bull elk, a European Mount lets your trophy tell its story, loud and proud.
What Makes a European Mount Special?
A European Mount is about showcasing the essence of your trophy: the skull and antlers or horns in their purest form.
Unlike a traditional mount, there’s no fluff, no glass eyes, no fake poses.
Just the bare bones of what makes that animal a prize worth remembering.
Hunters love European Mounts for their clean, bold look and practicality.
They don’t take up as much space as a full mount, they’re easier on your wallet, and they pack a punch visually.
Whether hung on a wall in your hunting lodge or perched on a stand in your home office, a European Mount lets everyone know you’ve earned that trophy the hard way.
The Process: Grit and Precision
Creating a European Mount isn’t for the faint of heart.
It’s a mix of grit, patience, and precision.
The process starts with the skull itself.
The goal is to clean it down to its pure bone structure while preserving every intricate detail, regardless of the type of animal.
First comes the cleaning.
This might involve hand-scraping or maceration, a method that uses warm water to break down tissue.
It’s messy work, but it’s all about respecting the animal and doing the job right.
For whitetail deer, extra care is taken to make sure that the antlers stay pristine throughout the process.
Next, the skull is boiled to remove any lingering tissue.
This step takes a steady hand because over-boiling can damage the bone.
Once boiled, the skull is degreased, a step that makes sure that the bone stays bright and avoids discoloration over time.
Finally, the skull is whitened with hydrogen peroxide.
No bleach here—that stuff will weaken the bone.
The result? A clean, polished trophy that speaks for itself.
Customizing Your Trophy
A European Mount doesn’t just sit on the wall.
It makes a statement.
You can keep it classic with a natural finish, or you can go bold with customizations.
Hydro-dipped skulls are a popular choice, offering everything from camo patterns to metallic finishes that scream personality.
For display options, there’s no shortage of rugged styles.
A rough-hewn wooden plaque gives your mount a traditional edge, while a metal bracket adds a modern, industrial vibe.
Want something that really stands out?
Pedestal mounts let you display your skull upright, giving it the prominence it deserves.
Whatever your style, there’s a way to make your mount uniquely yours.
European Mounts Aren’t Just for Whitetails
While whitetail deer are the poster child for European Mounts, they’re just the beginning.
Imagine the towering skull of a bull elk, like this one from Grand Canyon Wildlife Taxidermy, or the massive horns of a bighorn sheep displayed in all their glory.
Moose skulls make jaw-dropping centerpieces, and even smaller game like coyotes and bobcats have a rugged appeal when mounted this way.
For the bird hunters out there, wild turkeys can also be turned into unique European Mounts.
Incorporating feathers or spurs alongside the skull adds an extra layer of craftsmanship to your display.
Why Hunters Are Choosing European Mounts
This year’s surge in requests for European Mounts says a lot about what hunters are looking for.
They want authenticity and simplicity. They want a mount that celebrates the hunt without all the bells and whistles.
European Mounts are perfect for today’s hunter: someone who values the story behind the trophy as much as the trophy itself.
They’re practical, affordable, and damn good-looking.
Plus, they’re easy to maintain. No need to worry about dusting fur or keeping the glass eyes shiny.
These mounts are built to last, just like the memories they represent.
Honoring the Hunt
At the end of the day, a European Mount is more than a display piece.
It’s a way to honor the hunt, the animal, and the hard work that went into the experience.
There’s something raw and real about seeing a trophy in its purest form.
It reminds you of the chase, the shot, and the thrill of it all.
Every skull tells a story.
Of early mornings, cold stands, and the heart-pounding moment when it all came together.
A European Mount keeps that story alive, front and center.
Celebrate Your Trophy the Right Way
Whether it’s your first whitetail or the trophy of a lifetime, a European Mount is the perfect way to showcase your success.
It’s a rugged, honest tribute to the hunt and a timeless addition to your collection.
Ready to preserve your trophy with a mount that’s as bold as the hunt itself? Let’s make it happen!