Euro Mount Elk: Custom CNC Backing for Our Michigan Hunt
A euro mount elk display offers hunters an affordable, striking alternative to traditional taxidermy. After my son harvested his once-in-a-lifetime Michigan elk, we chose a euro mount with a custom CNC-cut metal backing plate that transformed his skull into a unique trophy display.
Wild game taxidermy has been a tradition for many hunters. It’s a way to display their trophies from the field. Whether it’s a game bird, wild turkey, whitetail deer, black bear, or elk, there are many options for taxidermy. However, for our 2024 elk hunt, we chose a euro mount—a skull mount that highlights the antlers cleanly and naturally.
Our Michigan Elk Hunt Experience
After ten years of applying, my son Ethan drew a coveted Michigan elk tag in June 2024. We waited until after his college exams in December before heading north to Gaylord for the hunt. Furthermore, Kevin Johnson and Austin Peters from Big Boy Outdoors TV guided us through the snowy wilderness.
On our second morning, we spotted five bulls moving through a clearcut in the early light. Ethan made a perfect 270-yard shot with his Remington 300 Win Mag, dropping the bull cleanly. The magnificent bull dressed out at 585 pounds and sported a unique 6×4 rack with broken drop tine.
That December morning in the Gaylord clearcut changed everything. My son Ethan had just dropped his first and only Michigan elk. This once-in-a-lifetime harvest deserved special recognition. We wanted a mount that would honor both the animal and our hunting memory.
As a result, we wanted a unique and affordable way to display his trophy. We decided on a euro mount with a metal back plate. A CNC machine cut this plate to replicate his hunting license.
Meeting Michigan DNR Requirements
Any Michigan elk hunter knows the real work starts after the harvest. State regulations required us to keep the head until testing at Michigan State University. The Michigan DNR requires that all harvested elk be tested for bovine tuberculosis. They also tested our elk for chronic wasting disease (CWD) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD).
For two weeks, we played the temperature game. During warm spells, we burned through bags of ice, constantly rotating them in a bucket to preserve the head. When temperatures dropped, we let nature’s freezer do the work. Those two weeks taught us more about ice management than we ever wanted to know.
When the testing day finally arrived, we took a drive to Michigan State in Lansing for a same-day test that was offered. Thankfully, our elk was free of diseases.
The Euro Mount Elk Process: From Field to Display
After the testing day, we hauled the head back to Deer Dash in West Olive. Our processor’s expertise with euro mounts made the decision easy. While he worked his magic, we focused on our mounting vision.
Custom CNC Metal Backing for Euro Mount
Standing in the garage one evening, thinking about mounting options, inspiration struck. I thought to myself, “what if we could see Ethan’s tag every time we looked at the rack?”
I found a metal shop that caught our vision immediately. He used 1/8-inch steel to support the elk rack’s weight, which a CNC machine would cut. We submitted the actual tag to the CNC shop to create the graphics for the plate.
This was a creative way for the back plate to mimic the actual tag used when the elk was harvested. It includes all the information from that day—the date, location, and license number that made this hunt official.
When we received the back plate at our front door, we couldn’t wait to put everything together. A hanger for the euro mount was built into the back plate. We bent the tab from the plate to hang the antlers securely.
Additionally, we gathered all the pieces and started to assemble our vision. It turned out beyond our expectations. This new concept is a cost-saving method compared to traditional shoulder or life-size mounts.
Step-by-Step Euro Mount with Metal Backing
Our process looked like this:
- We brought our elk to the meat processor who separated the head
- We kept the head cold until the day we needed to have it tested by the DNR for disease
- The DNR did the test within a few minutes at Michigan State lab on a Saturday
- We returned the head to our meat processor, Deer Dash, for the euro mount
- We placed the order with the CNC machinist and gave him the details we wanted
- The euro mount was ready and we picked it up
- We ordered an official Elk Hunt patch from the Atlanta Michigan Chamber of Commerce
- The patches came in the mail
- The finished metal back plate was shipped to our door
- We assembled the pieces (euro mount, metal plate, patch, bullet casing)
Cost Savings and Final Thoughts
One of the biggest advantages of this method is the cost savings. A traditional shoulder mount can be expensive, especially for a large animal like an elk. The euro mount with a CNC-cut back plate costs only a fraction of that, making it a great option for hunters looking for an affordable yet meaningful way to display their trophies.
Why Consider This Euro Mount Elk Option?
Affordable – Costs significantly less than a full shoulder mount ($200-400 vs. $1,500-3,000).
Customizable – The CNC-cut tag makes each mount unique to the hunter.
Durable – The steel plate ensures longevity and strength.
Modern and Minimalist – A sleek alternative to traditional mounts.
This unique mount not only saves money but also adds a personal touch to the trophy. If you’re looking for a fresh way to display your hunting trophies, this is a great option. It preserves the memory of the hunt while offering a unique, eye-catching display.
Frequently Asked Questions About Euro Mount Elk Displays
How much does a euro mount elk cost? A euro mount typically costs $200-400 for professional processing, significantly less than a shoulder mount which ranges from $1,500-3,000. Adding a custom CNC backing plate may add $100-200 depending on the complexity.
How long does the euro mount process take? The boiling and cleaning process takes 1-2 weeks, depending on the taxidermist’s schedule. However, if you need to wait for DNR testing like we did, plan for 3-4 weeks total.
Can I do a euro mount myself? Yes, many hunters successfully create DIY euro mounts. The process involves boiling the skull, removing tissue, degreasing, and whitening. However, it requires time, patience, and proper equipment. Many hunters prefer professional services for best results.
What’s better: euro mount or shoulder mount for elk? It depends on your budget and display preference. Euro mounts are more affordable, take up less space, and offer a modern aesthetic. Shoulder mounts are more traditional and show more of the animal. Both beautifully preserve hunting memories.
Do I need special tools to hang a euro mount? Not necessarily. Most euro mounts come with a mounting bracket or can be displayed on a plaque. Our custom CNC backing plate included a built-in hanger, making installation as simple as hanging a picture frame.
My son and I couldn’t be happier with how his Michigan elk mount turned out! For more information on Michigan elk hunting regulations and testing requirements, visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website.
