Old antlers. I have gobs of them; in the garage, ranch barn, and hanging on fences and gates. They’re even in the house – luckily my wife has long-since embraced them with her decor. Dropped and regrown every year, whitetail antlers are so nostalgic. Whether found as sheds or from a past hunt, they tell a story. Even if from a buck shot by someone else, they conjure up mental pictures.
Today, hunters spend a ton of time thinking about large antlers. This obsession means spending precious time and funds on enhancing 
their growth – mineral sites, protein, and food plots, not to mention habitat management.
Years back, I started asking myself, why not do something with some of these dust-collecting gems? Don’t get me wrong, antlers look cool when hanging from barn rafters or randomly sitting on the mantle. I must admit shed piles are pretty awesome too and most whitetail junkies take great pride in them. Here, bone-crazed collectors continuously add to the stack. The bigger ones often make it into the house for future conversations.
However, displaying antlers in a more creative, if not formal way can add meaning to them. It shows reverence for the animal and the hunt. If from a buck you once shot, it separates the antlers from the pile by commemorating the actual hunt. The same can be said for old antlers that came at the hands of your dad, granddad, son, or daughter.
First, at least consider protecting your antlers from the elements. We’ve always heard, “you can’t eat the horns”, but squirrels certainly can. Note that even smaller-sized antlers can be enhanced. In fact, thoughtfully mounting fork horn antlers from your first buck to a plaque is kind of cool. Shed antlers also take on new meaning when cleaned up and displayed. For example, they can hold a mystique about a section of woods you once frequented. At a minimum, clean them up.
But there’s so much more you can do.
Rack Bracket pivoting European Mounting Systems are easy to use and come in a variety of creative styles.
Though, we’ve established that size doesn’t matter, the look of those more impressive antler racks can, of course, be improved. Like with smaller sets, don’t just attach them to an everyday plaque found at Walmart. Consider something more unique by repurposing barn wood or creating and staining your own board or plaque. Take it a step further by backing it with a section of wood cut at a 45-degree angle. This allows it to be displayed much like many European mounts. Further, this creates a display great for wall or table. Speaking of European mounts, what about the deadheads you find? Nowadays, there are new creative ways to display them. For example, Rack Bracket offers an easy Euro mounting system that features many creative styles.
The uses for “old bone” is unlimited. Embrace your artistic side. If you don’t have one, look to someone that does. Antlers have been made into both artful and useful things for hundreds of years, including tools and weapons. Whether first hand or not, everyone has seen lamps, chandeliers, wine bottle holders, and candle sconces crafted from antlers. My wife has incorporated them into centerpieces and bookends. Further, they can be made into buttons, knife and pen handles, and jewelry. No, they are no longer only for gracing lodges and cabins. Perhaps it’s because they’re timeless.
Finally, antlers have monetary value and can be sold. I simply can’t get myself to do it though. I can’t seem to attach a price to the memories.
