52 Nebraskaland • October 2021
MIXED BAG
While I'm quite fond of traditional white-tailed deer
shoulder mounts, European mounts — showing just the skull
and antlers — are a spectacular alternative.
For my fi rst European mount, I removed the head and as
much hair as possible, boiled the "stuff " attached to the skull
on the stovetop, picked the rest of the fat, sinew and meat
away with a pair of pliers, then prepared to fi ll out my divorce
papers because of the odor in the house. There had to be an
easier way. And there is.
First, remove the head but, instead of trying to remove the
hair, bury the skull in the ground with the antlers exposed.
Then cover the antlers to protect from sun and mice damage.
Next, remove the skull from the ground in one year. The
skull will not bust through the winter, and there will be no
odor when you pull it from the ground. Simply wash off the
mud and debris with a water hose and set out to dry.
If the antlers have faded, apply small amounts of furniture
polish, starting at the base, until you get the color you desire.
The longer you leave the skull in the ground, the less work
that has to be done. So if you happen to shoot a buck that you
just can't wait to show off , then you have several options. But
if you have plenty of time, there's no lazier way to show off
your trophy.
THE LAZY EUROPEAN
Story and photos by Jeff Kurrus
Bury the head, leaving the antlers above the surface.
Cover the antlers to protect from sun and mice.
Remove the skull. The longer in the ground, the less work.
Hose the skull, then set out to dry.
The fi nished
European
mount.
