How to Hang Elk Sheds

Elk are found throughout much of the Northwest and Rocky Mountain states. These large ungulates shed antlers each year, and if you are lucky enough to find them, they make great wall hanging decorations. Because the antlers are shed, you need some taxidermy supplies to mount them as found on an elk's skull. Turn your wilderness finds into a nice piece of art for the home.

Things You'll Need

  • Elk artificial skull plate
  • Power drill with bits
  • Bench vise
  • Hacksaw
  • Sandpaper
  • Clear taxidermy epoxy
  • Wall mounting board
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the length of the elk antlers and count the tines (branches) on the sheds. Take this information to a taxidermy shop or outdoor sporting goods store and get the appropriate size artificial elk skull plate.

    • 2

      Place the sheds into a bench vise and use the hacksaw. Saw off the bases of the sheds, where the antlers flare into a larger diameter. Trim any spurs or rough pieces off the antlers.

    • 3

      Position the sheds on the skull plate as they would normally appear on a real elk skull. If the bases are not flush with the plate, use sandpaper to smooth the bottoms off to make them flush.

    • 4

      Set a power drill to a 1 3/4-inch setting with a bit between 3/4-inch and 1-inch. While holding one shed on the pedicle (area where the antler connects to the skull), drill into the antler and the skull plate at approximately 45 degrees down from the top. Do the same with the other shed.

    • 5

      Place a screw into each drilled hole and insert a screwdriver bit into the drill. Tighten the screws with the drill so the sheds are attached to the skull plate.

    • 6

      Add a coat of epoxy around the screws and where the sheds attach to the skull plate. Polish the sheds and skull plate and mount them on a wooden mounting plate. Hang on a wall of your choice.