Custom European Mounting

Taxidermist in Nappanee, Indiana

(574) 354-969813331 N 700th W, Nappanee, IN 46550View on Yelp
Custom European Mounting - taxidermy in Nappanee, IN

About Custom European Mounting

Custom European Mounting serves hunters and collectors in Nappanee, Indiana, a region known for its strong hunting culture in Elkhart County. Northern Indiana's rich deer population makes this area a natural fit for quality taxidermy work, and the name says exactly what they specialize in. European mounts have become one of the most popular ways to display trophy whitetails, offering a clean, modern look at a more accessible price point. If you're coming out of Indiana's hardwoods with a buck worth remembering, this is a focused, specialized option worth calling.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

European mounting is the core offering here, which involves cleaning and whitening the skull to display antlers without the full hide. The process uses maceration or beetle cleaning to strip the skull completely, followed by whitening treatments to give it that crisp, gallery-ready finish. Beyond standard deer skulls, providers like this typically handle elk, bear, and other game skulls as well. Some also offer antler mounting on decorative plaques or shed mounts for hunters who want to display antlers from a deer they didn't harvest.

Service Area

Custom European Mounting is based in Nappanee, Indiana, serving customers throughout Elkhart County and the surrounding communities. Hunters from Goshen, Millersburg, Middlebury, and Bristol are all within easy driving distance. The shop draws clients from across northern Indiana who want specialized skull work done right.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a European mount and a traditional shoulder mount?
A European mount displays only the cleaned and whitened skull with antlers, while a shoulder mount includes the preserved hide, head, and neck on a foam form. European mounts cost significantly less and take up less wall space, making them a popular choice for hunters who want to display multiple trophies.
How do I prepare my deer skull before bringing it in?
Keep the skull cool and get it to the taxidermist as soon as possible after the harvest. You don't need to do any cleaning yourself, just avoid letting it sit in warm temperatures for extended periods, which can cause the bone to deteriorate and affect the final whitening result.
How long does a European mount take to complete?
Turnaround time typically ranges from four to ten weeks depending on the cleaning method used and the shop's current workload. Beetle cleaning is slower but gentler on the bone, while maceration is faster. Your taxidermist will give you a realistic estimate when you drop off your skull.
Can you do European mounts on animals other than deer?
Yes, most taxidermists offering European mounts can work with elk, bear, coyote, turkey, and other game animals. The size and bone density of the skull affects the timeline and price, so it's worth calling ahead to confirm what species they regularly handle.
What does the whitening process involve, and will it damage the bone?
Whitening is typically done with hydrogen peroxide rather than bleach, since bleach weakens bone over time and causes it to become brittle. When done correctly, the whitening process brightens the skull without compromising its structural integrity, and the result should stay white for years with normal indoor display.
Do you offer mounting plaques or display options along with the skull?
Many taxidermists offer wood plaques, panel mounts, or wall brackets to complete the display. These range from simple and rustic to more decorative finished wood options. It's worth asking about display options when you drop off your piece so everything is ready to hang when you pick it up.

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