Taxidermy Tools & Supplies

Decorate Your Home With Wolf Taxidermy | Top 6 Picks Reviewed

Adding a unique touch to any space can be achieved by decorating with wolf taxidermy. Wolf taxidermy is becoming increasingly popular, due to its intricate design and beautiful details. With the right pick, you can make your home look stunning while still staying on trend. In this article, we’re going to review some of the top 6 picks for wolf taxidermy that you can use to decorate your home.

Our Process of Selecting These Products

You have a big empty wall in your home where you can’t find the perfect piece of art for.

 

You don’t want to spend thousands on a piece of artwork from an artist, and you don’t have time to try and find one yourself either.

 

We have done the hard work and research for you and picked the 6 best options of wolf taxidermy so that you can make an informed decision.

 

Near and Deer Wolf Taxidermy Made of Resin

 

Near and Deer Wolf Taxidermy is the perfect way to add a touch of wildness and intrigue to your home. It is made of resin material which is durable, lightweight, and long-lasting. It will easily withstand years of use with proper care. With realistic detail and lifelike features, this taxidermy wolf will be an eye-catching focal point in any room.

 

Resin has many benefits, including its durability and longevity. It is resistant to water and other elements, making it a great choice for outdoor furniture and structures. Resin is also easy to clean, lightweight, and relatively inexpensive compared to other materials. Additionally, the resin can be molded into any shape or size, making it a versatile material for many different projects.

 

Near and Deer Wolf Taxidermy is an innovative and animal-friendly way to enjoy the beauty of wildlife from the comfort of your own home. This taxidermy replica offers a realistic look without any harm coming to an actual wolf, which makes it ideal for those who want to experience the natural beauty of these majestic creatures.

 

It comes in a gold color that adds a modern touch to any room. Incorporating this piece into your decor will bring an air of sophistication while adding intrigue with its lifelike features. Enjoy this majestic creature without worrying about it deteriorating over time or needing special care like with traditional taxidermies made from real animal fur or hide.

 

Wall Charmers Wolf Taxidermy Made of Metal

 

Wall Charmers Wolf Taxidermy is the perfect way to add a unique, eye-catching touch to any home. This wall décor piece is crafted from metal and features an ultra-realistic wolf sculpture, complete with a realistic face. The solid metal construction ensures this piece will be standing for years to come.

 

Metal has a number of benefits, including its durability, strength, and versatility. It is resistant to corrosion and fire, making it ideal for use in construction and other applications where safety is important. Metal also has excellent thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity. Finally, metal is recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly option.

 

Wall Charmers wolf taxidermy is an easy way to add a touch of nature to any home decor. Made of lightweight plastic, this realistic-looking animal head offers a quick way to mount and secure onto any wall with either a nail or Monkey Hook, which comes with a built-in metal keyhole on the back. This simple yet effective mounting solution is perfect for those who are looking for an easy and hassle-free way to create their own rustic look.

 

The benefits of using plastic instead of real fur have numerous advantages over traditional taxidermy. For starters, it’s much more affordable and lightweight than traditionally mounted heads making it much easier to hang and move around as needed. Additionally, plastic doesn’t require the same level of maintenance that real fur does – no need to worry about moths or other pests potentially damaging your prized piece!

 

Near and Deer Taxidermy Wolf With Keyhole Hanger

 

This Near and Deer Taxidermy Wolf is a beautiful, realistic-looking wall mount. It features intricate detailing and life-like facial expressions that will capture the attention of all your guests. This product comes with a keyhole hanger for easy mounting to any wall surface.

 

Keyhole hangers are an easy and secure way to hang items on the wall. They provide a strong, secure hold without damaging the wall or requiring any tools. They’re also easy to install and remove, making them perfect for renters or those who want to rearrange their walls often. Additionally, keyhole hangers are a great choice for hanging heavier items since they distribute the weight evenly.

 

This gorgeous near and deer taxidermy wolf is the perfect addition to any room in your home. With its white fur, this hand-painted piece from the United States adds a unique touch of elegance to any living space. The detailed craftsmanship provides a lifelike quality that brings an air of sophistication to any dormitory, living room, bedroom, home office, or dining area. Each wolf is individually crafted and finished with high-end materials for a superior product you can be proud to show off in your home.

 

The texture of the faux fur and eyes gives this animal an almost real presence that can only be appreciated in person. This near and deer taxidermy wolf is perfect for adding character and charm to any dull wall or corner of your house – it’s sure to become a talking point among visitors!

 

Liushi Wolf Taxidermy With Natural and Minimalist Style

 

Liushi Wolf Taxidermy is the perfect way to bring a natural and minimalistic style to any room. Its unique, rustic design adds an element of character that is sure to liven up any space. The high attention to detail ensures that each piece looks just like the real thing, with realistic fur, eyes, and teeth. This taxidermy wolf head is carefully crafted from top-quality materials for a long-lasting piece of art.

 

Wolf taxidermy in a natural and minimalist style offers a unique, timeless look. It allows the wolf’s features to be showcased without any distracting elements. This style also emphasizes the beauty of the animal’s form and texture, creating a stunning display piece. Additionally, this type of taxidermy requires less maintenance.

 

Liushi wolf taxidermy is the perfect addition to any hunting wall decor enthusiast’s collection. It offers an environmentally friendly, safe, easy-to-clean, and sustainable way to keep a beautiful display of memories for years to come. With its no-fading material, user-friendly design, and minimal upkeep required, this wolf taxidermy will bring life to your home decor.

 

The high-quality construction makes it a must-have item for all hunting wall decor lovers. Its natural texture and vibrant color provide an eye-catching look that will last while still being safe and organic. The lightweight design means you can hang it up without the worry of damage or harm done to your walls or other objects in the room. And with its non-toxic materials, you won’t have to worry about any long-term consequences after having it in your home.

 

Liushi Taxidermy Wolf Finished in Life-Like Colors

 

Introducing the Liushi Taxidermy Wolf, a striking piece of art and decor that will surely make an impact on any living space. This impressive taxidermy wolf is finished with realistic colors that look like it just wandered right out of the wild! Crafted by skilled artisans, this wolf features intricate details that add character and life to your home.

 

This wolf taxidermy with life-like colors can make a beautiful and striking addition to any home. It is an excellent way to honor the beauty of the animal while preserving its memory. Additionally, it can be a great conversation starter and provide an educational opportunity for guests. Finally, it adds a unique touch of wildlife to any room.

 

Liushi Taxidermy Wolf is the perfect gift for any hunting enthusiast. This wolf has a long service lifespan and is hand painted with an incredibly realistic finish. Not only does it have an impressive life-like appearance, but it also has no odor; providing a pleasant surprise to anyone who receives this taxidermy masterpiece as a gift. It is created using the highest quality materials to ensure they last for years without fading or discoloration. They come in a variety of poses, so you can choose one that best fits your recipient’s style and taste in home decor. With its unique design, vibrant colors, and unparalleled realism, these taxidermy wolves make an excellent addition to any space or collection. So if you’re looking for the perfect gift for your favorite hunter or wildlife enthusiast, look no further than Liushi Taxidermy Wolf!

Liushi Taxidermy Wolf for Decoration With Metal Frame

 

This Liushi Taxidermy Wolf for Decoration is the perfect way to add a unique touch to any room in your home. With its metal frame, this realistic wolf decoration will surely be a conversation starter and the focal point of any area you place it in! The metal frame gives this taxidermy wolf extra stability and longevity, ensuring it will remain beautiful and true to life for years to come.

 

Metal frames offer many benefits, including durability and strength. They are also resistant to fire and pests, making them ideal for use. Metal frames are lightweight yet strong enough to support large structures and can be customized to fit any design. Additionally, metal is recyclable and can help reduce the environmental impact.

 

For those who appreciate the beauty and power of a wolf, Liushi Taxidermy Wolf is a must-have. This expertly crafted taxidermy wolf provides an incredibly lifelike 3D effect that appears to be emerging from the wall. The detailed design emphasizes the amazing features of this majestic animal, including its piercing eyes and sharp teeth. The realistic fur texture gives it a wild yet regal look, making it an eye-catching piece of home decor.

 

To ensure long-term durability, Liushi has used corrosion-resistant materials to craft each piece. This allows you to enjoy your taxidermy wolf for years without worrying about damage or wear and tear. Additionally, the lightweight construction makes it easy to mount on any wall in your home or office space with ease.

 

Benefits of Having Wolf Taxidermy

Bring the wild beauty of wolves into your home with wolf taxidermy! Whether you’re looking for a conversation piece to liven up your family’s living room, want to explore the history of wolf hunting, or simply appreciate the breathtaking majesty of these noble creatures, wolf taxidermy is sure to make an outstanding addition. This timeless work of art can be admired and studied for hundreds of years thanks to advanced preservation techniques.

Wolf taxidermy helps us remember our responsibility in preserving delicate ecosystems that have been around for generations and preventing them from slipping away into extinction. Feel pride in being able to display a replica of nature’s perfect predator while knowing that you are helping to ensure they will live on in spirit if not physically. Showcase the unique natural splendor of wolves by introducing a permanent reminder in your home – wolf taxidermy!

Why You Should Have Wolf Taxidermy

Adding wolf taxidermy to your home or office space is a powerful way to honor these majestic creatures. Wolves are not only fierce and beautiful, but they’re also complex, curious animals that symbolize loyalty and strength. Bringing the powerful spirit of wolves into a room can inspire courage in guests and remind them of their inner strength. With a touch of beauty and mystery added to any decor, it’s easy to understand why wolf taxidermy has become so popular!

Wolf taxidermy is more than just an aesthetically pleasing addition to any space – it’s also an important educational tool. By preserving wolves through taxidermy, you’ll be helping promote conservation awareness and encouraging others to appreciate the beauty and power of these incredible animals. It’s one small way we can contribute to the preservation of this species in their natural habitat – so why not make a lasting impression with some stunningly real wolf taxidermy?

FAQs

 

You are looking to learn more about wolf taxidermy.

You want to make sure you’re choosing the right taxidermist for your project.

Check out our FAQs! We have answers to all of your questions, and more.

 

How to determine what size wolf taxidermy mounts?

Measure the length of the wolf from nose to tail and then consult a taxidermist size chart. This will help you to determine the right size mount for your wolf. Additionally, you can measure the width of the wolf’s chest and compare it to the size chart. Finally, consider where you plan on displaying the mount and make sure that it fits in that space.

 

How to clean taxidermy wolf?

Cleaning a taxidermy wolf can be done with a few simple steps. Start by using a soft cloth to gently dust off the fur and remove any dirt or debris. Then, use mild soap and warm water to wipe down the fur and body of the wolf. After that, use a damp cloth to dry off the wolf before applying a coat of wax or oil to protect it from future dirt and damage.

 

How do you taxidermy a wolf?

Taxidermy a wolf requires the help of a professional taxidermist. The process begins with skinning the animal and preserving the hide. The taxidermist then cleans, tans, and stretches the hide over an artificial form to create a realistic shape. Finally, they add glass eyes and other details to complete the mount.

 

What do you clean taxidermy with?

Taxidermy should be cleaned with a soft, non-abrasive cloth and a mild soap and water solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the item. For more difficult stains, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to spot-clean the area.

 

What keeps the taxidermy from rotting?

Taxidermy is preserved using a process called tanning. This involves removing the animal’s skin and treating it with salt, chemicals, and oils to prevent it from decaying. The skin is then stretched into a form made of wood, plastic, or clay and dried in an oven. Finally, the taxidermy is painted and sealed with a varnish to help preserve it for years to come.

 

What do you spray on taxidermy?

Taxidermy should be sprayed with a good quality, acid-free acrylic sealer. It should be applied in thin coats using a spray gun or aerosol can and allowed to dry between coats. This will help protect the taxidermy from dust and other environmental elements.

 

Is it safe to touch taxidermy animals?

It is generally safe to touch taxidermy animals, as long as they are not too fragile. However, it is important to be gentle and take care not to damage delicate fur or feathers. It’s also a good idea to use gloves or wash your hands afterward, just in case.

 

Can you get sick from taxidermy?

Taxidermy is generally not known to cause illness in humans, as the animals used in the process are usually treated with chemicals that kill any bacteria or parasites. However, it is possible to contract an infectious disease from the animal if you come into contact with its bodily fluids. It’s important to practice good hygiene when handling taxidermy and use protective gloves.

 

How do you maintain taxidermy?

Taxidermy should be kept in a dry, dark place away from direct sunlight. It is important to check the condition of the taxidermy regularly and to dust it with a soft brush or cloth. If necessary, use a mild cleaning solution to remove dirt or dust. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials as these may damage the taxidermy. Lastly, make sure that the taxidermy is stored in an area free from pests such as mice and insects.

 

Why is taxidermy still valuable?

Taxidermy is still valuable because it allows people to preserve and display animals in a lifelike manner. It is also a popular form of art that can be used to tell stories and express ideas. Additionally, taxidermy provides an educational opportunity for people to learn more about the anatomy and behavior of animals. Finally, taxidermy has become a collectible item with some pieces increasing in value over time.

 

What kind of salt do you use for taxidermy?

For taxidermy, you should use either Epsom salt or rock salt. Both are excellent for preserving and drying out animal hide. Make sure to use a fine-grain size and wear gloves when handling it.

Can you get DNA from taxidermy?

Yes, you can get DNA from taxidermy. This is done by taking a tissue sample from the specimen and extracting its genetic material. It’s important to note that the quality of the DNA obtained this way may be degraded due to the preservation process. Additionally, the amount of usable DNA will depend on how well-preserved the specimen is.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, wolf taxidermy is a great way to decorate your home and add character to any room. Whether you are looking for something small and subtle or a larger, more intricate piece, there will be something for everyone’s taste in this review. Each of the six pieces showcased comes from reputable companies that guarantee the best quality and craftsmanship. With this review, you can be sure to find the best wolf taxidermy to suit your home’s decor.

 

Product Review: Skull Hooker Little Hooker European Mount Display Steel

Casual observers would deem all wall-mounted deer plaques just the same. But a skilled taxidermist would know the distinct character and the message it conveys merely by looking at the deer mount. When the deer hunting season begins, all hunters go and try to land a few deer. At the end of the day, they would always look forward to keeping one as a trophy.

Skull Hooker’s Little Hooker European Mount Steel Display is a popular mount among experienced taxidermists. Learn more about this product and some great tips to show off:
Skull Hooker Little Hooker European Mount Display Steel

Product Features

Sleek Design

The Little Hooker is a modern and lustrous mount that can carry small to medium-sized European trophies. It is made of strong power-coated steel in two striking colors. The first color, Robust Brown would look dashing against a brick wall while the Graphite Black would definitely shine and draw attention even on plain-colored walls.

Customization

Because the pose of your trophy matters, the Little Hooker allows complete customization both up and down and left and right. Remember, in taxidermy, the pose of the mount matters. It is all about what you want to say through the pose of your piece. The Little Hooker gives you the freedom to showcase your craftiness and also bring out the ferociousness and cleverness of the animal.

Size and Weight

This state-of-the art deer mount weighs only 0.6875 lbs, making it perfect even for walls made of light materials. The Little Hooker is designed specifically for smaller games. This mount can perfectly display a large-sized deer skull. You can also use the mount for other small trophy game species such as aoudad, black bear, hogs, alligator, and antelope. Even exotic medium game trophies like gazelles and impalas will look striking on the Little Hooker.

Installation Process

Unlike other mounts, it doesn’t take much effort to install the Little Hooker. It only takes three steps to finish the installation process. Before you start, prepare the recommended tools: Phillips screwdriver and a 3/8 inch wrench.

  1. The first step is to locate the stud and align it with the wall plate. Make sure that the screws are vertically mounted onto the wall. This is very important. You should see to it that the wall plate’s screw holes are not mounted at an angle. Use supplied dry wall anchors or screws mounted in studs.\
  2. Next, insert the lock washer included in the kit in between the prong and arm screw holes. Lightly tighten the screw and lock nut as you are inserting. See to it that the welded side of the prong faces down or is away from the wall plaque. Do not tighten it completely. Insert the prong of the arm into the back of the skull. Insert the middle arm into the larger hole and the side arms should rest within the small depressions which are on both sides of the larger hole.
  3. Lastly, insert the arm into the wall plaque’s canister to support the skull and arm. Decide on the angle of your trophy and finally fully tighten the screw and lock nut.

The Little Hooker’s arm swivels to each side so you can customize the angle of your trophy. You can choose an upright or a laid back look. Take advantage of the size of the trophy’s rack to give it a natural touch.

Remember to always prioritize safety as you are in the middle of the installation process. Always secure the prong into the skull. Ensure that the lock nut is very tight before you hang the skull on its own. Make sure that the location of the skull is not cut or damaged to ensure proper fit.

About Skull Hooker

Skull Hooker is brand to trust when it comes to European skull mounting. Their products are all professionally crafted brackets that can show off your trophy game animals in the most elegant yet realistic way. The company manufactures sturdy products that are quick and simple to install.

Skull Hooker came up with a unique mounting system that allows people to finish the installation process in less than an hour. It is an affordable alternative to professional mounting. Skull Hooker gave the hunters the chance to secure their displays on their own without breaking the bank.

Cleaning Your Kill

European skull mounts are the trend. Your huge 8-point buck will definitely look striking up on that wall on your Little Hooker if you know how to do it correctly.

Slow down on the excitement if you already have your kill. It takes a little bit of patience before you can turn it into a remarkable trophy. First, with a skill saw, make a clean cut on top of the deer’s head. Keep the head inside a bag and freeze until later.

When you’re ready, take a big boiling pot and place the head of the deer inside. The boiling pot should be tall enough. Change the pot if the deer’s nose is touching the bottom. Fill the pot with water until everything is covered except the horns. Make sure it only blows slowly to avoid causing damage to the skull and causing the deer’s teeth to fall off. Take as much time to ensure that the skull is thoroughly clean. Check the pot every 2 to 3 hours and scrape the meat off the skull every now and then. Refill the pot with water to replace water loss caused by evaporation. Again, always make sure the nose doesn’t touch the bottom of the pot and the horns are not covered.

With a water hose, use a wire brush to remove the remaining meat after boiling. Once only the skull and the horns remain, wear latex gloves, grab a toothbrush and coat the skull using 40-50 volume peroxide. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes and rinse it off. You can repeat the process until you achieve the color that you prefer.

Following all these directions and using a sturdy deer mount guarantees you a beautiful hunting memorabilia to add to your man cave or living room. Getting Skull Hooker’s Little Hooker doesn’t only display your trophy beautifully, but it also gives you the ultimate satisfaction of telling others that you did it all on your own. Happy hunting and mounting!

Learning About Different Types of Taxidermy Tools and Techniques

Learning About Different Types of Taxidermy Tools and TechniquesAn animal skin goes through a lot of steps before it becomes a finished taxidermy mount, and each one of these requires certain tools. While some applications, like birds or some fish, might require more specific tools, there are a few general types of items that every taxidermist should be familiar with.

The first, and probably the most obvious, is a good pair of safety glasses. A lot of the solutions used to clean and preserve hides can do some serious damage if they come in contact with your eyes, so no part of skin cleaning or preserving should be undertaken without them. Similarly, rubber aprons and latex gloves should be worn at all times.

After that, cutting implements like scissors, scalpels, exacto blades, filleting knives, fleshing tools, and even sharpened spoons are key, not only for removing the hide from the body, but for removing the clinging bits of flesh and soft tissue from the skin. Sharpened spoons or specialized fleshing tools can be (carefully) scraped along the inside of the unpreserved skin to loosen and remove remaining bits of muscle tissue, and prepare the skin for the tanning process. The type of knife needed to remove the skin depends not only on the size of the animal or area of the body, but on the species. Some animals have flesh which is delicate and easily torn, and a suitably delicate knife (like an exacto or scalpel blade) is required.

Plastic buckets, bowls, and measuring cups are important for tanning, since these will be needed to hold different cleaning, degreasing, and tanning solutions. Everything from recycled plastic paint buckets to the plastic bowls that hold margarine or whipped topping can be used for measurement and storage.

Once the tanning process is complete, then things like needles, thread, and glue are needed. Monofilament fishing line and even dental floss can be used to sew up a hide, while caulk, hot glue, and superglue will all be needed at some point during the mounting process. The right needles are critical- regular sewing needles will break, while needles that are too large will punch obvious holes in the hide, that can tear through later. Glue is also necessary for affixing things like eyes and teeth.

After mounting, things like hair brushes or chamois cloths are needed to help neaten a mammal’s coat to restore a realistic appearance, while toothbrushes, combs, and pet brushes can be used to straighten the feathers out on a bird specimen. Fish have their own problems to consider, and, while they won’t need to be brushed, will most likely require painting to regain the bright colors they had in life. So, for fish taxidermists, tools like oil panting kits or airbrushes are also key.
Some professionals might swear by one knife, or one type of glue, while others will prefer different ones. As a taxidermy hobbyist becomes more experienced with learning their craft, they’ll develop their own preferences for which tools they prefer to use in which situation.

 

Learning About Taxidermy Habitat Supplies

In lieu of simply mounting an animal hide, some taxidermists prefer to create a scene with the animal mounted on a realistic portion of its habitat. Squirrels climbing down stumps, or birds perched on branches, are both popular subjects for crating taxidermy habitats. To do so properly, however, requires some specific supplies.

Aside from the usual knives, fleshing tools, sewing needles, buckets, and other things needed for taxidermy itself, creating realistic habitats requires two basic types of things- the base of the habitat, and supplies to make it look more natural. The base of the habitat will vary, of course, depending on the species of animal that is going to be mounted. Usually, wood, foam, or hardware cloth is used, while a mixture of paper-mache, plaster, or a similar material is layered over to create a hard, ground-like base. Keeping a selection of base materials in different sizes is a good idea, as they’re generally inexpensive, don’t take up very much space for storage, and can be mixed up as needed.

Taxidermy Hobbyist - Learning About Taxidermy Habitat SuppliesAfter the base of the habitat is chosen, then come the supplies to make it look natural. Slabs of slate, artificial rocks, and driftwood are popular additions, particularly since they can be easily cut, sculpted, or painted to fit the taxidermist’s needs. Though habitats will necessarily vary depending on the mounted animal, every taxidermist should keep a few sizes of artificial rocks and driftwood on hand. Once the right materials are chosen, they must be assembled on the base. Caulk, glue, epoxy, or resins are all employed, depending on whether natural wood, stone, or an artificial equivalent is used for decoration.

Often, habitat decorations will be the right size, but the wrong color. This can be fixed with something as simple as a few coats of paint, or as elaborate as artificial water or snow. Generally, rock, driftwood, or both are glued or epoxied to the base in a realistic tableau, then painted to hide any evidence of gluing. Small bits of natural moss or silk plants make great aesthetic additions to habitats for forest animals, and can be easily purchased from taxidermy supply or craft shops. Every taxidermist who enjoys making habitats for their mounts should keep some dried moss, a set of paints, and a variety of adhesives in their toolkit, since these relatively simple supplies can be used to create a number of very different scenes.

Habitats are, above all, artistic creations, and each artist has the tools and materials they prefer to work with.
With some practice and a good eye, it’s possible for a taxidermist to make a habitat even more beautiful and valuable than the mounted animal itself.

European Skull Mounts Supplies

Mounting skulls European-style is a popular way to show a hunting trophy without having to devote the space that a full-body or shoulder mount would require. European skull mounts are also easy for a novice taxidermist to learn to do. To create this type of mount, three types of basic supplies are needed- supplies to clean the skull, protect it, and mount it on an attractive display.

Cleaning the skull is arguably the hardest part. A variety of methods exist, and one of the most effective supplies to do so isn’t actually a supply at all. Dermestid beetles are used by most museums and a number of professional taxidermists, so, if at all possible, these should be obtained. These beetles eat the flesh and soft tissue off of the skull without damaging it, shrinking it, or making it brittle. Without these beetles, the skull will need to have the flesh stripped from it manually. To do so include a large pot, dish detergent, baking soda, and a dull knife. The pot should be filled with water and brought to a boil, some dish detergent and baking soda added, and the skull should be placed inside. Every ten minutes, the skull should be removed and scraped with the knife, until it is clean. Borax should always be kept on hand for cleaning small cavities a knife can’t reach, as well as for rubbing on the skull afterward to absorb any excess moisture that can cause unwanted odors or attract bugs.

The next step requires its own specific supplies. The skull should be bleached, and many different solutions and recipes exist to do so. However, since most of these chemicals are only available through laboratory or professional taxidermist suppliers, a hobbyist or beginner might be better off purchasing a kit with skull bleach included. After that, some form of protective coating should be applied, like that used to protect outdoor furniture. These generally consist of acrylic or polyurethane, come in a spray can, and are readily available at craft and hobby stores.

The last supplies needed are a display plaque or pedestal, and a means of securing the skull to it. Screws are fairly common and easy to use, and have the advantage over glue in that they won’t degrade with time. Plaques and pedestals are usually wood, though some interesting looking displays have also been made out of slate or other types of stone.

Learning to make a European skull mount is a great way to become introduced to the art of taxidermy. Though it seems easier than mounting a whole hide, making sure to have the right supplies for the job can make it even easier, and create an even more beautiful finished mount.

Shoulder Mount Supplies

Shoulder mounts are so named because they display a mounted animals head, neck, and upper shoulder area. They’re good for beginning taxidermists who want to create something a bit more complex than a skull mount, but don’t have the time, space, or expertise to make and display a full-body mount. However, shoulder mounts still require some of the same supplies that mounting a whole hide does.

First of all, skinning the animal should be taken into consideration. Depending on the species, this will require knives, scalpels, or fine blades, as well as tools for removing bits of muscle and soft tissue that adhere to the inside of the skin. Specialized fleshing tools are useful for this, though some hobbyists use sharpened spoons for small animals, carefully scraping the inside of the hide until it’s clean.

After the skin is cleaned and prepared, supplies are needed to properly preserve the hide. Tools like plastic buckets, paint stirring sticks, and plastic bowls are useful for mixing and preparing tanning or pickling solutions, as well as allowing hides to soak. The hides of some species can be preserved with borax or dry borax, but beginners might want to use a specific kit until they develop a preference for one chemical over another.

Once the hide is preserved, other supplies like needles, thread, different types of glue, or hide paste are use to secure the hide to the mannequin. While the type of adhesive or method of securing the hide will vary from taxidermist to taxidermist, the mannequin itself will be species (and possibly age or gender) specific, and most likely made of polyurethane foam. Some kits for creating shoulder mounts come with all of these supplies, while others will leave the mannequin separate, in which case it is up to the hobbyist to choose an appropriate one for their project. Depending on the type of animal, other supplies like ear liners or small cards can be used to give the ears an alert, lifelike appearance, and glass or acrylic eyes are generally placed on the mount as a finishing touch.

After the hide is mounted and the ears and eyes properly in place, the last supplies needed are to actually hang the mount. Some prefer to hang it directly on a wall, while others prefer to place it on a wooden plaque prior to hanging. Whichever the case, things like screws, saw tooth hangers, wood, and picture hanging wire can all be used to place the mount on a plaque or wall.
Though creating a shoulder mount might seem equally as complicated as mounting a whole hide, their smaller size makes them ideal for novice taxidermists to try. By choosing a selection of good quality supplies, even someone new to the process can create a professional-looking shoulder mount.