Euro Mounting Horned Animals

When preparing a European mount for horned animals, the process is quite similar to mounting a deer or most other animals. However, there are a few key differences to keep in mind, particularly regarding the treatment of the horns.

The most important consideration is to avoid over-boiling the horns. Excessive boiling can damage the horn sheaths or cause the horn to fall apart or discolor, which will diminish the final appearance. After the head has been boiling for a while—usually long enough to loosen connective tissues—it's time to remove the horn sheaths.

To do this, use a rubber mallet to gently tap around the base of the horns. This action helps to loosen the sheaths. Once they've loosened sufficiently, twist them off carefully. After removing the sheaths, thoroughly clean the interior of each horn to remove any remaining tissue or debris, as this helps prevent odors or decay. Once cleaned, allow the horn sheaths to dry completely.

With the horns removed, the remainder of the skull can be cleaned and processed like any other skull. Remove all remaining flesh, degrease the bone, and whiten it if desired for a clean, polished finish. Once the skull and horn sheaths are dry, reattach the sheaths to the skull for the final mount. Proper care during the process will result in a durable, professional-looking European mount you can be proud to display.