How to Euro Mount a Deer Head

European deer head mounts include the animal's skull and -- in the case of bucks -- its antlers. Unlike traditional types of animal mounts, the European mount does not include any fur or other part of the deer's body. While completing a European mount takes time, it does not include the expense associated with other mounts since hunters can complete them on their own instead of bringing them to a taxidermist. However, doing a European mount is not for those with a weak stomach because it requires removing parts of the animal including its brain and eyes.

Things You'll Need

  • Saw
  • Plastic bag
  • Stove-top burner
  • Pot
  • Water
  • Laundry detergent
  • Pliers
  • Brush
  • Knife
  • Hydrogen peroxide (Clairoxide 40, available at beauty supply stores)
  • Magnesium carbonate
  • Screws
  • Screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Slide on a pair of leather gloves and wear them throughout the process. Once you use them for completing a European mount, you should not use them for other purposes.

    • 2

      Remove the deer's head from its body with a saw. Cut out its eyes and tongue, and remove its brains. Note that the eyeballs are especially difficult to remove from the skull. Store these items in a bag and take them to a landfill.

    • 3

      Fill a pot with water. The pot must be large enough that the animal's head can be submerged. Place the pan on a stove-top burner and turn the heat on to the highest setting. Note that the process will ruin the pot, so do not plan on using it a second time.

    • 4

      Add 2 tablespoons of laundry detergent while waiting for the water to boil.

    • 5

      Submerge the deer head in the boiling water. Keep the antlers completely dry.

    • 6

      Pull the head out of the boiling water after 15 minutes. Use a knife and pliers to pull and pick off as much skin and tissue from the deer head as possible. Repeat this step until you have removed all skin and tissue from the head.

    • 7

      Brush the head with a hard-bristled brush to remove stubborn skin and tissue.

    • 8

      Mix 1/2 pound magnesium carbonate and 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide to form a paste. You should wear leather gloves throughout the process, but if you have taken them off, it is important to put them back on before mixing these items.

    • 9

      Apply the paste to the skull with a soft-bristled brush, taking care not to get any on the antlers. Wait four to five hours for the paste to dry fully.

    • 10

      Brush the paste off the skull using a soft-bristled brush. Run the skull beneath running water to remove any additional paste. Once the paste is removed, the skull should be bone white.

    • 11

      Display the skull on a table or mantle. If you want to hang it, screw it to a plaque that is at least 1/2 inch thick. Place the bottom side of the skull against the plaque. The mouth should face downward. Screw two 2-inch drywall screws through the back of the plaque and into the skull.