Krause’s Taxidermy in Pine Grove, PA presents Antlers, Horns, and Trophies: What Can and Can’t Be Preserved. Many hunters wonder what parts of their prize will last once mounted. This guide answers those questions so you can prepare before the hunt.
Understand the Difference Between Antlers and Horns Before You Plan Your Mount
Hunters often confuse antlers and horns, but they are very different when it comes to preservation. Antlers grow on deer, elk, and moose. They shed and regrow each year, making them ideal for mounts and displays. Horns, found on animals like rams and antelope, have a permanent bony core covered by a keratin sheath. This difference determines how they can be preserved.
What You Can Preserve When Mounting Antlers from Deer and Elk
Antlers preserve well once cleaned and treated. Taxidermists can mount them on plaques, incorporate them into full shoulder mounts, or even create European mounts with skulls intact. Hunters should keep antlers clean and free from unnecessary cutting so the taxidermist has the best material to work with.
What Makes Horn Preservation More Challenging for Hunters and Collectors
Horns present unique challenges because the keratin sheath can deteriorate if not handled properly. The sheath must be separated, cleaned, and reattached to the core to ensure long-lasting preservation. Without professional care, horns can crack, shrink, or even loosen from the mount.
What Cannot Be Preserved and Why Limitations Matter
Soft tissue, velvet on antlers, and some fragile horn tips often cannot be preserved in their natural state. Velvet deteriorates quickly, and without specialized freeze-drying or artificial reproduction, it does not last. Knowing these limitations helps hunters set realistic expectations before the hunt.
Why Working with Krause’s Taxidermy makes The Difference
At Krause’s Taxidermy in Pine Grove, PA, we guide hunters and collectors through the process so trophies look their best for decades. Whether you bring in antlers, horns, or full mounts, we provide expert advice on handling them in the field and ensure proper preservation once they arrive at the shop.
Prepare for the upcoming season now. Call us at (570) 345-3664 or (570) 691-7632. Follow us on Facebook. Schedule your consultation with Krause’s Taxidermy to learn about antlers, horns, and trophies: what can and can’t be preserved.