Best/easiest way to mount a larger european elk?

[SpotandStalk]

I have my 2007 bull on the skull and was wondering if anybody had any tips on the best/easiest way to mount it to a backboard, and then to a wall.  Should I cut the skull at all to create a flush join between the skull and board or just mount it as is?  This thing is pretty heavy and I am just worried about the strength of whatever I do...any tips would be greatly appreciated.

[cberg]

Hey Spot,

  They make plaques that sit at a 45% angle to the wall. We use them quite a bit because it takes some of the pressure off the screws. We run two 3" screws up from the bottom of the plaque board into the heavy bone in the back part of the jaw close to the back teeth. You can saw off part of the skull if you want but we usually dint. Also run a screw up into the back area of the skull. Pre drill though so nothing cracks.
Hope this helps.

Chuck

[Elkstuffer]

I use allthread. Drill a hole thru your plaque and into the skull just south of the spinal cord opening. Put a nut and washer in the hole and thread onto the allthread (have patience). Then counter sink the hole on the back of the plaque deep enough to accept another nut and washer. Cut the allthread after nut is tight.

A lot of elk won't work on 45 degree plaques because of there antlers tipping back to far.

[GoldTip]

Take a section of dowel approx the same diameter as the spinal cord opening.  Cut it 1.5" long and insert into spinal cord opening and epoxy that bad boy in there.  Once it is dried and solid, take your plaque and a 3" wood screw, screw through the plaque and into the dowel.  Done.