Elk Mount Salvage...Pedestal?

I started using a new taxidermist recently and it seems he was inexperienced in how to handle a larger sized elk. I took a 330" NM bull to him and he did not know to order an extended antler form to accommodate the bigger rack. Instead his solution was to tilt the rack forward on the skull until the rack missed the wall. The result was the brow tines being nearly parallel to the muzzle, completely unnatural look. Needless to say I was not happy at all.

I tried to live with it for 6 months, but could not any longer, so I called him and told him I needed it fixed. After mulling the options, it seems the only possibility is for him to rehydrate, open up the head, remove and remount the rack at the proper ~30 degree angle, and do a pedestal mount. He agreed to do this and I told him I would even pitch some money in to cover some costs (even though I knew none of this was my fault).

I am wondering if you guys think this pedestal mount sounds like a good salvage option, and if there are any possible problems I should discuss with him about this conversion. I don't really have room for a pedestal mount, but I want my elk with my cape, not someone else's.

I know the back would be flat and not curved. I don't care. I am concerned how he would balance the thing, and how they do that. Do they glue a sleeve into the chest to accept a rod from the wooden base? Any suggestions on wood pedestals? I shot him via archery above timberline so I'm thinking rocks?

Another view.

Sorry about your troubles. I would disagree with the pedestal being the only option here. Re-hydrate the head and frontal portion of neck and peal it away. Set the antlers in the proper position. Then cut the head off, and tilt the entire head until the antlers are clear of your wall. It will only take a few degrees of head tilt more than likely. Fill and shape properly and remount the head and re-do your finish work. You still get to put on the wall and the head and horns are in a natural position. Feel free to call me if you have any questions. (713)-465-7388.

Hope this helps,

Ben

I'm still in amazement that you're taking it back to the same guy that screwed it up the first time. And now you're wondering how he's going to fix it.

Well, It's done. Picking it up Monday. Hoping the detail work is reasonable given the circumstances. I wanted the rough sawn barn wood base. He offered to decorate the top but I just want to grab some actual rocks from that trailhead next time I'm up there.

http://www.monstermuleys.info/photos/user_photos/9410elkpedestal1.jpg


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Member RMEF, Pope & Young Club, NRA, UWC & DP Hate Club

Looks 100% better

Looks a lot better. It may be still possible to add some curve to the back (if you don't like it straight) if there is enough hair in the back to re-hydrate and extend it?