We had some hardwood floors done a few years ago and I used some of the short pieces for these stands - works great for antelopes. Not sure if it would work on anything bigger. Some great ideas posted!!
US Skull Hunter on YouTube has some interesting designs and ideas. I’ve done the copper/bronze patina and rusted finishes on a couple skulls. Not too difficult but adds a nice touch you don’t see everyday.
If you do your own, use flat white spray paint instead of bleaching the scull. When you bleach them they tend to discolor or yellow overtime. Dust comes of easier when they are painted too.
I used 2" thick pine with a inlay of some black marble and did a carving pattern, even though it doesn't look like it in the pic the back board is the same thickness as the board with the carving
My son’s (8 years old) first buck on the right, and my buck I shot the day after he got his. Wanted something for him to always remember the trip, so I turned our taxidermist loose to come up with a cool way to display them.