Elk Mount for Sale. That’s the phrase I typed into Google when I was on the hunt for something to elevate my living room décor. I had no idea what I was getting into, but the thought of owning a piece of the wilderness—staring down at me from atop my mantle—sounded like the ultimate way to bring the wild indoors. There’s something about the size, the strength, and the pure beauty of an elk that makes you want to preserve it, right? You can almost feel its presence, even in a taxidermied form. It’s like having a piece of nature’s majesty right there in your home.
Anyway, before you jump into buying one of these magnificent beasts for your own space, let’s go on a little journey to understand why elk mounts are so special and how you can get one without getting lost in the weeds.
The Elk: Not Your Average Creature
If you’ve ever seen an elk in person, you know how awe-inspiring they are. I’ll never forget the first time I saw one—up close and personal, grazing at the edge of the forest in the Rockies. I was on a hike, minding my own business when, suddenly, it appeared. Massive antlers like towers sprouting from its head, fur thick and rugged. Its sheer size had me feeling like I’d just stepped into a nature documentary.
Elk, or Cervus canadensis, are one of the largest members of the deer family. They weigh hundreds of pounds, and their antlers—oh man, those antlers—can stretch as wide as 5 feet in some cases. It’s no surprise they’ve been revered by hunters and nature lovers alike. Getting your hands on an elk mount feels like capturing a piece of that power. And yes, it’s a trophy. But more than that, it’s a reminder of the wild, untamed world outside our doorsteps.
Fast forward to my first attempt at getting my own elk mount. I thought, “This will be easy, right?” Ha. I was in for a few lessons, and trust me, it wasn’t as simple as slapping a “For Sale” tag on a taxidermied elk and calling it a day.
The Elk Mount Hunt: What You Need to Know
So, you’re looking for an “Elk Mount for Sale”? Alright, let’s get down to business. The process of acquiring an elk mount can be as thrilling as tracking one in the wild. But it’s not without its complexities. There are a few ways to get one, and here’s how they shake out:
1. Taxidermy Services: Your First Stop
I learned this the hard way: if you’ve got a fresh elk carcass (thanks, hunting season), taxidermy is your first and best option. A taxidermist will preserve the hide, mount the head, and often use a molded body for the full mount. This process takes time—like, several months—so if you’re in a hurry, you’ll have to be patient. And if you think you’re going to get some cut-rate price for a rush job, well… let’s just say, you might be better off camping in the woods for a few more weeks and learning patience firsthand.
Trust me, I learned the ins and outs of this when I tried to get my own mount made. I ended up waiting about five months (no, I didn’t count the days… okay, maybe I did), but when I finally picked it up, I almost cried. It was worth it.
2. Buy From a Dealer: Taxidermy Shops & Online
Not everyone has a fresh elk kill to work with, though. For those who are less inclined to head out into the wild (or those who just don’t have the time), buying from a dealer is your next best bet. There are shops that specialize in wildlife taxidermy—some even have a reputation for handling elk mounts with particular care. They’re often located in places like Wyoming, Montana, or Colorado. But of course, the internet has made things easier for those of us who don’t want to pack up and travel cross-country.
Buying online? There are websites dedicated to taxidermy art. Some are reputable, and others? Well, let’s just say I’ve read my fair share of horror stories from people who got home and realized their elk was more “cringe-worthy” than majestic.
I’d recommend asking for photos from different angles, checking the reviews, and—if possible—insisting on seeing documentation of the animal’s legal acquisition. You know, just to be sure you’re not unknowingly purchasing something that came from less-than-ethical origins. I can’t stress that enough.
3. Auctions and Estate Sales: Score a Rare Find
Now, if you’re looking for something unique, auctions and estate sales are where the real gems live. You’d be surprised at how many elk mounts have found their way into these spaces. Some are from the 1800s, others have lived through several generations. If you happen to find one, you’re not just buying an elk mount—you’re getting a slice of history.
But be warned: auctions aren’t for the faint of heart. I showed up to one once, fully prepared to outbid everyone for an amazing elk mount… and then promptly left after seeing that the starting bid was about ten times my budget. Yeah. So, unless you’ve got a hidden stash of cash, auctions are a risky endeavor. Still, they’re worth keeping an eye on.
What to Keep in Mind When You Buy an Elk Mount for Sale
Okay, so you’ve decided you want an elk mount. Great! But, before you make that leap, here are some things to think about. Trust me—skipping these details can leave you with an elk that’s just… well, sad. And nobody wants a sad elk.
1. Space, Space, Space
Listen, I’ll admit it: I thought I had enough space for my elk mount when I bought it. Fast forward to my living room being completely overtaken by the sheer size of the thing. My mount wasn’t just “on the wall”—it was practically in my living room. If you live in an apartment (or a home with small ceilings), double-check those dimensions before you buy. A full-body elk mount can be a bit… overwhelming.
2. Quality of the Work
You’ll want to inspect the craftsmanship closely. If you’re looking at something that’s been in storage for a while, check for any signs of wear—brittle fur, faded antlers, that sort of thing. A quality mount should have a lifelike appearance, and that means looking for natural details: smooth, full fur, realistic facial features, and well-preserved antlers.
When I first got mine, I was practically inspecting it under a magnifying glass. “Did they get the antler’s texture right?” “Is that crease in the fur intentional?” (Spoiler: It was.) Don’t settle for “good enough” when it comes to taxidermy; these mounts last a lifetime if taken care of properly.
3. Price Tag: A Serious Investment
Look, you’re not walking away with an elk mount for the price of a meal at Taco Bell. This is serious business. Prices range anywhere from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on size, quality, and rarity. Don’t expect to grab a deal unless you’re buying an elk mount that’s missing a few crucial parts or has seen better days.
Anyway, it’s an investment. But when you stare at your elk mount every day, trust me, you’ll forget about the price tag—at least, most of the time.
Maintaining Your Elk Mount for Sale
Once your elk is proudly hanging on the wall, the work isn’t over. No, the fun is just beginning. You’ve got to care for your mount, or it could start showing signs of wear and tear. Here’s how to keep your elk looking fresh for decades to come:
1. No Direct Sunlight, Please
As much as you might want your elk to soak in the sun, keep it out of the light. Direct sunlight will fade the fur and cause the hide to dry out. Trust me, I learned this lesson after my first mount started looking like it’d been on a desert safari for 20 years. Place your elk in a shaded spot with steady, mild lighting.
2. Dusting & Cleaning
Yes, I’m talking about dusting. You can’t just let it gather. I once went a month without dusting mine (don’t ask me why—I was busy), and I’ll tell you, the amount of dust that accumulated was appalling. Get yourself a feather duster and give it a gentle swipe every now and then. If the mount gets dirty, go slow and use a soft brush.
3. Pest Control
Moths, bugs, and tiny critters love taxidermy. Who knew? But yeah, they do. Keep an eye out for little holes or the creepy-crawly signs of an infestation. I’ve had to call in a professional to give my mount a little “bug-busting” treatment before, and now I make sure to keep it well-maintained.
Why You Should Own an Elk Mount for Sale
In the end, an elk mount isn’t just a decoration; it’s a connection to nature. It’s a conversation piece. It’s a little piece of wild America that you can display proudly in your home. So, if you’ve been looking for that one thing to elevate your living room, your office, or your man
