European Skull Mounts for Deer, Elk and Boar
Clean bone, intact antlers, and a finish that fits the room. Our beetle-cleaning process protects the skull instead of boiling it soft.
A European mount shows the skull and antlers with nothing in the way. It is the right choice when the cape was damaged, when you already have a shoulder mount on the wall, or when you want a cleaner, more modern look.
We use dermestid beetles to clean the skull. Beetles strip the tissue without the heat that boiling puts into the bone, so the skull keeps its strength and the nasal bones and teeth stay where they belong. After cleaning, the skull is degreased and whitened to a natural finish, not a chalky bleach white.
From there you pick the presentation: a hardwood or barnwood plaque, a habitat base with foliage, a hanging bracket, or a painted skull for something different. Antlers can be left natural or lightly sealed.
When This Is the Right Mount
- The cape was cut short, dragged, or spoiled in warm weather.
- A second buck for the same room, or a doe or spike you still want to keep.
- Elk, bear, boar, or any skull with character you want on display.
- A lower cost option than a full shoulder mount with a faster turnaround.
How It Works
- 1
Drop-off
Bring the head with antlers attached. It can be fresh, frozen, or already skinned. Craig removes the lower jaw and any remaining hide.
- 2
Beetle cleaning
The skull goes into the beetle colony until the bone is clean. This keeps the fine bone structure intact.
- 3
Degrease and whiten
Skulls are degreased so they do not yellow over time, then whitened to a natural tone.
- 4
Mount and pickup
Plaque, habitat base, hanger, or paint finish. Craig calls when the skull is ready.
Field Care Before Drop-Off
- Cut the head off at the base of the skull. Leave the antlers attached.
- Keep it cold or frozen if you cannot get to the shop within a day or two.
- Do not boil the skull yourself. Heat weakens bone and loosens the teeth and nasal bones.
- Bring your tag. Every skull is signed in as a legal harvest.
Questions from the field? Call 262.818.9491 before you cut.
Pricing and Turnaround
Every animal is different, so Craig quotes each mount after inspecting it at drop-off. Hide condition, size, pose, and base all change the work. Call the shop for a quote or bring the animal in.
A 50% deposit holds your place in the queue. Cash or check only. The shop works first-in, first-out and does not offer rush service. You get a specific completion month before you leave, and a call when the mount is ready.
Full policies are on the pricing and policies section of the homepage.
European Skull Mounts From the Shop
Real mounts by Craig Reindl, photographed in the Kenosha shop.
Bring It to the Bench
Call the shop to talk through the animal, the pose, and a completion month. Craig answers the phone himself.
Call 262.818.94911422 72nd Street, Kenosha, WI 53143. Weekdays 8 to 5, Saturday 8 to noon. Cash or check. 50% deposit.