What are your standards to get a buck headmounted?

[BigHills BuckHunter]

Just wondering what everyone elses standards are for head mounting a buck by killing it with a bow? Is it about the score, age of buck, public/private land, history with the deer? I realize a head mount is pretty expensive for the average Joe so I can see price swaying the hunter to get a european or antler mount.


For me I would get a buck mounted if he was 125+ gross so a pope and young buck essentially. However there are exceptions for me. If I was to kill a mature deer on public regardless of the score of his rack he would go on the wall. Ive seen older bucks with small racks but huge bodies. Still waiting for my 1st public buck! I hunt public and private. Also Im really into weird racked bucks so if I killed one that had a lot of character he can join the two Ive got already.

[Stanley]

I pretty much don't kill any buck that I feel is not worth of mounting. I strictly bowhunt though.

[Stanley]

Great topic.

[UntouchableNess]

It has to be 200" before I'll have it mounted but I'll shoot smaller.

[Indianahunter]

If I shoot it, it is something I would mount. That was not always the case and I have a garage full of racks from my youth. Every deer has a story and I think that makes it special. I intend to pass my mounts and a short book of stories I am writing about each one when I am gone. I think having a mount is an awesome way to capture and honor the sport, the animal, the hunter and our outdoor heritage. I think it is an investment in memories more than a trophy on a shelf.

[wibowhntr]

My standards are if I am going to pull the trigger on my release or muzzleloader than it deserves a shoulder mount to be proudly hung on my livingroom wall. Otherwise it walks and I shoot does to fill the freezer.

[Liberty-Hunt]

I do mount all of them (if I have enough money).
But only European month because it's less expensive & take less space and also less dust...

[hoyt]

Since I do my own taxidermy work I'll mount whatever has an extra special meaning to me.
Like if it's a good size rack killed with a flintlock I built or with a recurve, etc.

[kenn1320]

I pretty much don't kill any buck that I feel is not worth of mounting. I strictly bowhunt though.

X2 That being said, I have 3 mounts and none make P&Y.

[Dewey]

I pretty much go with the idea that it has to be bigger than the largest buck I shot and shoulder mounted so far.
Anything smaller will be on a plaque or a european mount but lately I have been passing on all of the smaller deer so it hasn't been an issue.

[Ack]

I pretty much go with the idea that it has to be bigger than the largest buck I shot and shoulder mounted so far.
Anything smaller will be on a plaque or a european mount but lately I have been passing on all of the smaller deer so it hasn't been an issue.

x2.......As big or bigger than the shoulder mounts I already have, or if it is something really unique. If by chance I kill a smaller one it gets a euro mount.

[GRFox]

120 gross will do it for me.I got an 8 point on camera a couple of days ago I believe to be at least 4 years old, huge. big beams, but small brows big g2s and just forked ends for g3s, he wouldnt score great maybe 120, but a great deer for my area.

Any deer over 4 years old will get mounted for me.

[ Post made via Android ]

[mossyoak]

all depends for me I like I wont shoot a buck I would not mount but that doesnt mean a shoulder mount I will do euro mounts on some smaller bucks because I cant afford to mount everything. I also think it makes a good mix and I love having my bucks displayed.

[muddy]

This year I have to adhere to the rule of it being bigger than what I currently have on the wall. Past few years my wife has been very generous to me so I can't complain. I believe its going to have to be 165+ or else a helluva encounter.

[ Post made via Android ]

[fredhill]

160". if you set high enough standards your taxidermy bill is virtually nil.