Cedar Ridge European Skull Mounts

Taxidermist in Clarksville, Iowa

(319) 269-294018208 Upland Ave, Clarksville, IA 50619View on Yelp

About Cedar Ridge European Skull Mounts

Cedar Ridge European Skull Mounts operates out of Clarksville, Iowa, a small town in Butler County where farming and hunting culture run deep. The business name signals a clear specialty: European skull mounts, which have surged in popularity among deer hunters looking for a cleaner, more affordable alternative to traditional shoulder mounts. Northeast Iowa's rolling terrain and timber draws produce quality whitetail bucks every fall, and there's a growing market for this style of preservation. If you're a hunter in the Cedar River or Shell Rock River area, this is a shop worth calling.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

European skull mounts involve cleaning the skull of all tissue to expose the natural bone structure, then optionally whitening it for a polished look. The process requires careful maceration or beetle cleaning techniques to preserve the integrity of the bone without damaging fine details around the nasal cavity and eye sockets. Cedar Ridge focuses on this specialty, which means faster turnaround and lower cost compared to full shoulder mounts. Antler mounting services, where the antler plate is finished for wall display without a full skull, may also be available for customers who want an even simpler presentation.

Service Area

Cedar Ridge European Skull Mounts serves Clarksville and the broader Butler County area in north-central Iowa. Hunters from nearby Allison, Aplington, and Parkersburg are within easy driving distance. The shop also draws customers from across the Cedar River and Shell Rock River hunting corridors who specifically want European-style work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a European skull mount?
A European skull mount is a method of preserving an animal's skull by removing all soft tissue and leaving only the clean bone and antlers. It's a minimalist style that's become very popular with deer hunters in Iowa over the last decade. The result is a striking, natural-looking display piece that costs significantly less than a traditional shoulder mount.
How do you clean the skull without damaging the bone?
The two most common methods are maceration, which uses warm water to break down tissue over time, and beetle cleaning, which uses dermestid beetles to consume the soft tissue precisely. Both methods preserve the fine bone details better than boiling, which can cause cracking and discoloration. A specialist in European mounts will choose the right method based on the condition and size of your skull.
Should I whiten my European skull mount?
Whitening is a personal preference and doesn't affect the preservation quality of the mount. Many hunters prefer the bright white look for indoor display, while others like the natural cream or tan color of the raw bone. Cedar Ridge can walk you through both options so you can decide what fits your space best.
Can I get a European mount done on animals other than deer?
Yes, European skull mounts work well on a wide range of animals including elk, turkey, coyote, and even smaller game. The process is essentially the same regardless of species, though the time and cost scale with the size of the skull. It's worth calling ahead to confirm which species the shop currently accepts.
How does the cost of a European mount compare to a shoulder mount?
European skull mounts are generally a fraction of the cost of a full shoulder mount, which makes them popular with hunters who take multiple deer each season. Exact pricing varies by shop and skull condition, but the savings can be significant. If budget is a consideration, a European mount is one of the best ways to still preserve a quality trophy.
Do I need to remove the head from the deer myself before bringing it in?
Yes, you'll need to cape or cut the head from the deer before dropping it off. For a European mount, you don't need to remove the hide from the skull yourself unless instructed, just bring in the whole head. The taxidermist will handle the rest from that point forward.

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