Help! need to fix this elk mount

burnloungekid · Feb 27, 2007

A friend of mine shot this nice bull elk and is having him mounted up. As you can see the bull broke his left antler off after the third point. Any advise on how to fix it would help. Or maybe if anybody has a left shed antler they wouldn't mind parting with send me a PM. A mold would be too expensive so let me know how you fixed your broke elk or deer. Thanks so much.

BlackTimber · Feb 27, 2007

Your taxidermists should be able to fix it pretty easy. It's not too hard. Just a matter of attaching a wire into the antler and reconstructing a new one and finish to match color.

sagehnter · Feb 27, 2007

Black timber is right. If your friend is having it mounted by a taxidermist they should be able to repair it with no prolems. They can use a piece of real anlter or try to reconstruct one but either way after they are painted/stained it can be tough to tell the difference, especially on only one point.

shadowstalker · Feb 27, 2007

Find or pick a similar point to make a mold . Take silicone caulking and apply a couple of coats . After setting cafully peel it back . Slide it on the broken point until it has a natural fit .Mark slightly below the break and remove . Drill a hole and put an apropriate size wire in it .Make sure the area is clean . Mix some fiberglass bondo ( I like the kind with a little fiber in it) . Load the mold to the mark and reinstall on the broken point .After curing remove the mold and sand to blend . I then add a coat of regular bondo on top and carry it past the fiberglass bondo .This is so I can add detail to hide the blend . vein groves etc.Sand and Blend . Paint or dirty it up to match .If it does not pass muster it can easily be redone until you get it right.Use your imagination.

deerbedead · Mar 1, 2007

Just give your taxidermist a try. If he can't fix it you need a new taxidermist.
Shouldn't cost more than $35-50 bucks.

TFinalshot · Mar 2, 2007

I'm no taxi but looks to me like the guy nees a lot more work that one point. $50 bucks to fix that? I'll be if somone can reconstruct the top end of that antler they will charge you a lot more that 50 bucks. . . Take another look at the photo. . .

257Tony · Mar 2, 2007

I agree with T, that Bull needs 20+" of main beam, plus the sword and 5th point. I think a shed would be the best route.

Somebody didn't like bouncing betty

fletch · Mar 2, 2007

Isnt that called character? I would rather leave it the way I shot it...unless it was whole and broke after the shot...

Pruney · Mar 3, 2007

I agree with Fletch on this one although it is an individual choice. I shot a bull a few years ago that would have went 340 if he had not broken off one side behind the sword. There is a good karma story behind getting this bull but that I will save for a different post. I have had many people tell me to get it fixed and mounted, but I knew exactly what he was when I shot and I chose to let the arrow fly.

He is what he is and that is what he will remain. I'm happy with it and that is enough.

ismith · Mar 3, 2007

Im at a loss as to why someone would want to add points to there animal. Has hunting finally gotten to the point where you can have your taxiderist "build" you a trophy? Ill take character over fake points any day!
ismith

"Never argue with an idiot; they'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience." ~ anonymous