Elk Wall Pedestal

jims · Dec 22, 2009

I'm in the process of getting an elk mounted and was wondering if anyone has ever done a free-floating pedestal for the wall? I know it is likely possible to add a base to the pedestal to bring the antler beams out far enough from the wall for clearance.

My preference is to use heavy metal tubing and brackets to make the bull appear to be floating on the wall. My mount will likely weigh well over 100 lbs so it likely will need some type of sturdy attachment set up (foamed in wood or metal) inside the mannikan?

I'm aware that Animals in Motion make a setup but unfortunately it isn't sturdy enough and large enough to allow clearance for my bull's antlers.

If anyone has any ideas that they've used on elk or other species I'd love to see them!

Hazmat · Dec 22, 2009

McKenzie makes a form for big bulls. It is called the Antler Clearance form. That's what I used on my bull and he has beams just under 60 inches long. I like the look too.

You are right about beefing up the form. My taxi had to beef up mine because it was pulling out the screws with just the antlers.

Good luck.

HAZMAT

www.muddyroad.net

deerbedead · Dec 22, 2009

Hazmat, I've got $5 bucks that says your taxi had to beef up the mannikin because it was a P.O.S. Trufitt brand with cheap junk plywood on the back of it. McKenzie uses real good quality plywood, and they double layer it so you don't have to screw around with it.

Hazmat · Dec 22, 2009

DBD,

Unless my taxi pulled a fast one on me, it's a McKenzie...at least that's the form I told him I wanted.

HAZMAT

www.muddyroad.net

antlerless · Dec 23, 2009

LAST EDITED ON Dec-23-09 AT 09:24PM (MST)[p]Here is my bull on a wall pedastal from Trufit. I haven't had any problems with the wood or it hanging on the wall. I would think that this form would work for most large bulls. My bull has 56 inch beams however he is only 36 wide but the way the form is positioned width shouldn't effect it at all. However because of the antlers hanging off to the side I did have to get a spesial hanger fabricated for it. It wasn't to support a bad form it was besause the bull wants to spin to the left because the antlers are positioned that way. Hope this helps. Oh and I recently moved and am in the process of putting him on a pedastal insted of the wall because I don't have vaulted celings anymore.

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"you can't fix stupid"

jims · Dec 23, 2009

antlerless, that is a fantastic looking bull! Congrads! I am curious what kind of mounting bracket you fabricated? Can you take a photo or description of it? That's great you can change from the wall to a floor pedestal...I am considering the same thing for my bull. I am kind of faced with the opposite thing with little floor space and several tall ceilings. Thanks again!

monarchtaxidermy · Dec 23, 2009

we do several a year on wall brackets, here is one we just finished. call me if you have any questions. Curtis 801-518-2033

antlerless · Dec 23, 2009

I can't take a photo but I'll try and describe it and draw a pic.

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"you can't fix stupid"

antlerless · Dec 23, 2009

jims i'll send you an email with a drawn picture ofthe hanger.
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"you can't fix stupid"

jims · Dec 24, 2009

Monarchtaxidermist, I tried the wall pedestal base in the photo you sent and it is about 12" to short for clearance with the 45 degree pedestal form I would like to use. It looks like you do lots of elk mounts by all the racks in the background in your photo!

I got together w/my taxidermist and it looks like I need 22" from the wall to the bottom/middle of the mannikan to have adequate antler clearance. I can either have the bracket attached to the bottom or possibly somewhere on the back. If on the back it may be hidden? I'll give you a call after the Christmas hoopla is over!

My email address is: [email protected] if you would like to send a description, photo, or drawing of the bracket setup. Thanks again!

ruttinelk393 · Dec 28, 2009

jims,
I too had the beam "problem" and knew I wanted a slight turn so looked into a traditional or wall pedestal. In the end, I elected to build out or step out the wall to give me the clearance I needed. It really was easy. Any one with carpentry skills can whip it up and then bolt it to your wall. To finish it, just paint it or drywall, texture and paint it or even finish it in wood. I can send pics if you need. I ended up liking it more than I thought as it sets the animal off even more from the wall. I elected to blend it (painted it same as wall) into the wall rather than make it a plaque of sorts as I think the emphasis should be on your animal.