Traditional taxidermy alternatives?

[Bubba scrub]

Admittedly, I am a "fill my freezer" hunter when it comes down to it,(I know, lame) but I'm not desperate enough to shoot a baby spike buck, for example. I love myself a big mature dandy, especially to show off to your buds. Braggin' rights!

Issue is, I honestly don't like putting every animal on display in my home. I have a couple special ones, but they are subtle and strategically placed in separate rooms to where they aren't the center of attention. I just don't like the vibe. But on the other hand, I think I would dig a bear rug.. I'm not sure, maybe I'm weird, but I just feel like antlers on the wall are aesthetically dated.

I am content with the two euro buck mounts I have, but I don't think I'll add anymore inside the home unless I dedicate a room for everything.
The antlers from past few animals harvested have just been tossed outside.

Are there other ways to preserve your "trophies" without doing a traditional taxidermy for the given animal? Any unique alternatives?

 

[insanelupus]

Perhaps not unique, but printed high quality photos, in a style matching decorative tastes (and well framed) can preserve those memories and are easier to store/ swap out. Surrounded by other photos of the same hunt with smaller prints (camp, travel, packout, around campfires) tell the story well. While not necessarily traditional, they are often more aestheticly pleasing to some.

It's been one of my considerations due to reduced square footage.

 

[Rich M]

Most of my antlers are skull caps in a shed or garage. Muley skull cap and antelope euro are in living room. Moose skull cap is in barn with some deer antlers.

Thinking to get a custom knife with moose antler handle made out of the moose rack.

I'd shoot a spike over a doe.

 

[WoodlandCritter]

Admittedly, I am a "fill my freezer" hunter when it comes down to it,(I know, lame) but I'm not desperate enough to shoot a baby spike buck, for example. I love myself a big mature dandy, especially to show off to your buds. Braggin' rights!

Issue is, I honestly don't like putting every animal on display in my home. I have a couple special ones, but they are subtle and strategically placed in separate rooms to where they aren't the center of attention. I just don't like the vibe. But on the other hand, I think I would dig a bear rug.. I'm not sure, maybe I'm weird, but I just feel like antlers on the wall are aesthetically dated.

I am content with the two euro buck mounts I have, but I don't think I'll add anymore inside the home unless I dedicate a room for everything.
The antlers from past few animals harvested have just been tossed outside.

Are there other ways to preserve your "trophies" without doing a traditional taxidermy for the given animal? Any unique alternatives?

I'm looking to get more into making stuff. I have semi-successfully tanned a couple squirrel and raccoon hides. My first deer hide is in the freezer and I have plans of trying to make some moccasins when I have time. If I get a bear this spring I'll probably have it tanned by someone else for a blanket but I'd like to sew in a lining myself.

 

[Rich M]

I'm looking to get more into making stuff. I have semi-successfully tanned a couple squirrel and raccoon hides. My first deer hide is in the freezer and I have plans of trying to make some moccasins when I have time. If I get a bear this spring I'll probably have it tanned by someone else for a blanket but I'd like to sew in a lining myself.

I knew a couple who had a daughter who wanted to tan hides so gave her a knife, couple deer hides, and the heads. She brain tanned em hair off and the hides came out great. No idea of the amount of effort involved.

I'll probably try something like this when retired.

 

[gwtravis]

do something special like this and give it to your wife for her birthday