Do you have a set of antlers gathering dust in the garage? Every hunter knows that feeling of pride after a successful season. Those antlers represent hours of patience and hard work in the woods. Instead of letting them sit in a box, you can turn them into a stunning centerpiece for your home. Mounting them allows you to relive those memories every single day.
However, finding the right mounting kit can feel overwhelming. The market is flooded with cheap plastic options that look fake or complicated kits that require professional skills. Many hunters struggle to find a balance between high quality and ease of use. You do not want to risk ruining a trophy with a kit that falls apart or looks messy after just a few months.
In this guide, we take the guesswork out of the process. We will look at the most reliable kits on the market today. You will learn which materials last the longest and how to achieve a clean, professional look without spending a fortune. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, we have the tips you need to get the job done right.
Ready to turn those antlers into a masterpiece? Let’s dive into our top recommendations and start your next project.
Top Antler Mounting Kit Recommendations
- Sport Type: Hunting
- Wood Plaque
- Hunters Specialties Deer Antler Mounting Kit
- Easy To Use
- Solid Red Oak
- Quick and Easy to Use
- Instructions and Hardware Included
- Beautiful Satin Finish
- Made in the USA
- Solid Walnut
- Quick and Easy to Use
- Instructions and Hardware Included
- Beautiful Satin Finish
- Made in the USA
- USE. A solid finished Pine mounting kit that works for Whitetail and Mule Deer Antlers. Each piece will be different due to the grain structure and knots in Pine.
- SIZE. Approximate assembled size is 10 in. x 8 in. x 2.5 in.
- INCLUDED. Instructions and all hanging and assembly hardware. Antlers are not included - you have to supply them.
- MADE. Proudly made in Wisconsin, USA from American grown wood.
- EZ MOUNT HORN BRACKET: Designed to mount deer-sized game, showcasing antlers while preserving their natural attachment to the skull.
- ADJUSTABLE DISPLAY: Customize the tilt of the antlers to desired angle to enhance the presentation.
- SWINGING BRACKET: Allows the bracket to swing side to side, enhancing the dynamic display.
- SOLID STEEL CONSTRUCTION: Crafted from durable steel, ensuring durability and long-term use.
- ALL-INCLUSIVE MOUNTING KIT: Includes screws and drywall anchors for a hassle-free setup and easy installation.
- EASY INSTALLATION - Just drill a hole up into the pedicle of each antler, attach them to the top section with the included screws, then secure the top section to the bottom, and you can proceed with mounting your antlers on a plaque or another taxidermy project!
- CLEAN DISPLAY - Great for match sets of sheds, original European mounts or skull caps with breaks of cracks
- DURABLE - Made of high strength injection molded polymer
- Each kit includes 2 sizes to best fit your antlers
- REALISTIC: The Skull Master was 3D modeled from a real deer skull to capture true-to-life accuracy, fine detail, and realism of the bone structure. Made from shatter-resistant, high-density, durable injection molded plastic on a solid pine plaquer
- EASY INSTALLATION - Detach antlers from skull, measure the antler bases, choose skull plate to fit best, attach antlers from the underside of the skull plate, hang and enjoy! (Multiple skull plates and all necessary hardware is included
- TRADITIONAL LOOK - The outward facing antlers on a Black Forest mount is unique on its own, but this style of displaying anthers with the skull halved for a flat under-side surface showcases how these were once used as coat & cap racks.
- LESS MESS: No boiling, beetles, or harsh chemicals, simply attach antlers to the Skull Master to complete your mount.
- SAVE MONEY: The Skull Master system is a fraction of the cost of traditional taxidermy.
- Wood Grain Laminated Finish
- Sturdy Plaque
- Engraveable Plate
- Skull Cover That Can Be Formed to Most Horn Configurations
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an Antler Mounting Kit
You worked hard to bag that trophy buck. Now, you want to display your prize with pride. An antler mounting kit turns a bare skull plate into a professional-looking wall display. Choosing the right kit makes the process easier and ensures your antlers stay secure for years. Use this guide to find the perfect kit for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
First, check the size of the mounting plaque. It must be large enough to hold your specific skull plate comfortably. Look for kits that include pre-drilled holes. These save you time and prevent wood splitting. You should also look for a kit that includes a decorative skull cover. This piece hides the rough bone and adds a finished, clean look to the mount.
2. Important Materials
Most quality kits use solid hardwood for the plaque. Oak, cherry, and walnut are popular choices because they look beautiful and last a long time. Avoid cheap particleboard, as it does not hold screws well. The mounting hardware should be made of steel. This ensures your antlers will not sag or fall off the wall over time.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality often comes down to the finish. A smooth, lacquered finish on the wood plaque protects it from dust and humidity. If the finish is rough or dull, the wood may warp over time. A high-quality kit also provides strong epoxy or heavy-duty screws. Kits that include weak glue or flimsy plastic parts will reduce the overall quality of your display.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Most hunters prefer “skull cap” mounting kits. These are best if you do not want to clean or bleach a full skull. They provide a rustic look that fits perfectly in a cabin or a den. Beginners should look for kits that include a step-by-step instruction manual. Some kits even offer online video tutorials, which make the mounting process much easier for first-timers.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need special tools to use a kit?
A: Most kits only require a drill, a screwdriver, and a saw to trim the skull plate.
Q: Is the skull cover included in every kit?
A: No, not all kits include a cover. Check the product description to see if it comes with velvet or leather trim.
Q: Can I use these kits for elk or moose antlers?
A: You must buy a kit designed for larger animals. Standard deer kits are too small for elk or moose.
Q: How do I attach the antlers to the plaque?
A: You will screw the skull plate directly into the wooden plaque. Most kits provide the screws you need.
Q: Does the wood come pre-finished?
A: Most kits arrive with a finished plaque, but some “unfinished” kits allow you to stain the wood yourself.
Q: Will the antlers fall off over time?
A: If you use the provided heavy-duty screws and tighten them properly, the antlers will remain secure for decades.
Q: Should I bleach the skull plate before mounting?
A: Yes, cleaning and whitening the bone prevents smell and makes the final mount look much cleaner.
Q: How long does it take to mount a set of antlers?
A: If you have your tools ready, you can complete the process in about an hour.
Q: What if my skull plate is uneven?
A: You can use wood putty or the included skull cover to hide any gaps between the bone and the wood.
Q: Can I hang these mounts on drywall?
A: Yes, but use a wall anchor if the antlers are heavy to ensure they do not pull out of the wall.