Anyone use one of those do-it-yourself antler mount kits?

[teddy12b]

Last weekend I got a buck that is almost identical to a buck I already have mounted.  I'm not going to pay the big bucks to get a regular mount done, and I'd like to try out one of those antler mount kits. 

Does anyone have any expereince with the antler mount kits?  In particular this one:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0006569220477a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntk=Products&QueryText=antler+mount&sort=all&_D%3AhasJS=+&N=0&Nty=1&hasJS=true&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form23&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1

[XD9]

I'd like some responses to this as well.  I killed a 7 point over the weekend that I don't want to spend the money for a full mount on.  I've ordered a DIY antler mounting kit and hope to make it look good.  I'll start cleaning up the skull tonight and the kit should be here tomorrow.  Cross your fingers...

[teddy12b]

I called a local taxidermist and he said he could do an antler mount for $75 starting.  The guy has won some awards for taxidermy and I'll check out his work, but it's hard to beat having a professional do it for less than $100.  Maybe if I had enough racks from lots of deer over the years it wouldn't be such a big deal, but it's my second buck and I don't want to spend big $$ to get a full mount done.  Hopefully I'll drop it off tonight after work.

[XD9]

Just in case you decide to do one later by yourself, check out this kit:

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_26535_425006012_425000000_425006000_425-6-12

I just got it in and will be mounting it over the weekend.  I read through the instructions last night.  They are very well written and it comes with a pattern to lay over your skull and show you exactly where to cut.  The wood is high quality and so is the brass overlay.  The great thing about this one is that you don't have to deal with clay / paper mechet to get the shape just right.  The brass overlay is a hard shell which covers everything and gives the perfect shape each time.  I highly recommend this kit to any "do it yourselfers".

When I get mine done, I'll post a pic or two.

[Wynn]

teddy12b, I used the one you linked to on my first archery buck and it turned out great. I also had a lot of fun doing it.

[ruger204]

Try   VanDykes Taxidermy Supply. They sell  EURO mount kits cheep. With instructions.  The picture is one I found in the woods. I mixed 3gallons water and 1/2 gallon yellow glue and soaked for 2 days, this holds small bones in place. Let it dry and sprayed with flat white paint. Cut and clear coated a piece of walnut and thats it. I call the mount "LOOSER"