How to Mount Elks' Heads

Mounting your elk head trophy requires good preparation of the elk, the right tools and knowledge of taxidermy. Creating your own mount can save you hundreds of dollars at the taxidermist. The elk head must be properly prepared for mounting and you will need to learn some taxidermy to get a good mount for display in your home.

Things You'll Need

  • Camera
  • Measuring tape
  • Skinning knife
  • Saw
  • Glass eyes
  • Foam head form
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take pictures of the elk from different angles after you have killed it and before you begin to clean it.

    • 2

      Measure the area you want to have mounted with a measuring tape. Measure from the tip of the nose to the top of the antlers. Measure around the head and neck.

    • 3

      Carry the elk out of the area you shot it in. Avoid dragging it by ropes through the dirt as this can damage the hair. If you must drag it out, put an old blanket or cloth under it so that the hide will not be damaged.

    • 4

      Cut and clean the elk but use caution when cutting up the neck. Do not go beyond the breast bone as that will ruin your mount.

    • 5

      Use a skinning knife to remove the hide. Make your cuts under the skin so that the hair will not get ruined. Work carefully to avoid making any holes in the hide. Remove the skin completely from the elk’s face and neck. You may need a putty knife to remove the skin from the antler area since cutting in this area is difficult.

    • 6

      Cut off any fat and meat that you can from the hide.

    • 7

      Use a saw to cut the skull plate. Cut from right over the nasal area to the ear and out the back part of the elk’s head.

    • 8

      Tan the hide. You can get products to tan the hide at a taxidermy store.

    • 9

      Mount the antlers onto the foam head, paying attention to the measurements and pictures you took to ensure accurate placement.

    • 10

      Mount the skin onto the foam head. Sew up any holes in the hide. Put ear liners into place for the ears. Sew the skin into place on the foam head.

    • 11

      Put the glass eyes into place.