Euro Mounts by Cliff

Taxidermist in Mecosta, Michigan

(989) 309-0534, Mecosta, MI 49332View on Yelp

About Euro Mounts by Cliff

Euro Mounts by Cliff is based in Mecosta, Michigan, a small town in Mecosta County surrounded by some of central Michigan's best lake country and deer hunting territory. The name says it all: this is a shop built around the European mount style, which has become one of the most requested display options among today's hunters. Mecosta County sits near the Muskegon River corridor, a productive area for deer and turkey hunting. Whether you're coming from Big Rapids or out in the county, Cliff's focus on euro work means you're getting a specialist, not a generalist.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Euro Mounts by Cliff focuses primarily on European skull mounts, a process that involves cleaning all tissue from the skull to produce a clean white bone display. The most common method used by Michigan taxidermists is maceration or beetle cleaning, both of which preserve fine bone detail without damaging the antlers or teeth. Deer skulls are the most frequent request, but the process works equally well for elk, bear, turkey, and many other species. The finished skull can be displayed as-is, whitened for a brighter look, or mounted on a finished panel or plaque for a more polished presentation.

Service Area

Euro Mounts by Cliff serves hunters in Mecosta and throughout Mecosta County, including Big Rapids and surrounding townships. The shop draws customers from neighboring Osceola, Isabella, and Newaygo counties as well. Its central lower peninsula location makes it an easy detour for hunters heading home after a successful season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a European mount and how is it different from a shoulder mount?
A European mount uses only the cleaned skull and attached antlers, with no hide or artificial form involved. It's a minimalist display style that tends to cost less and take up less wall space than a traditional shoulder mount while still showcasing the antlers prominently.
How do I prepare a deer skull for drop-off?
Remove as much of the hide and meat as you can before bringing it in, though it doesn't need to be perfectly clean. Avoid boiling the skull yourself, since that can damage the bone structure and loosen teeth. Let the professional handle the cleaning process.
How white will the finished skull be?
Most euro mounts are whitened using hydrogen peroxide paste applied to the bone, which produces a bright, clean look without bleaching the antlers. You can usually choose your preferred whiteness level, from a natural off-white to a brighter finished white.
Can you do a euro mount on a skull that was already boiled or improperly cleaned?
It depends on the condition. If the bone structure is intact and teeth are still in place, a taxidermist can often salvage the skull and clean it up for a presentable mount. If the boiling loosened teeth or damaged the bone, results may be limited.
Do euro mounts work for animals other than deer?
Yes, bear, turkey, wild boar, elk, and many other species are regularly done as European mounts. The technique is the same regardless of species, though pricing may vary based on skull size and complexity.
What kind of plaque or panel options are available for displaying the skull?
Options range from simple wood plaques to laser-cut panels, rustic barn wood, or custom-shaped mounts. Some hunters display them on a flat wall plate, while others prefer an angled panel that tilts the skull outward for better visual impact.

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