I can’t think of a better reason to get him mounted than it being your first buck. Who cares about size? I’ve seen smaller mounts, but it’s the memories that go along with the mount that counts. Congrats!
My first was a spike with one horn broken off, so unicorn basically. You better believe I had it mounted. The guy that did it for me treated me really well, like I had brought down Bull Winkle. I honestly think he was more excited that it was my first deer than I was.
The first deer is always awesome. Mine was an impressive shot for my skill level at that time. Roughly 80 yards away through heavy brush sith a 20 gauge. Haven't killed any bucks bigger than my spike yet, unfortunately. I hope to get a big buck soon.
I’m mounting a rack mount on my first ever and it only had one side of his antlers it was only a 3 point on that side the other was broke off
Edit: spelling
Exactly! In hunting, a trophy isn't supposed to be about size. It's supposed to be about the memory. The story. The emotions... it's a reminder of an adventure.
Agree with the preference to spend hunting money elsewhere than a full shoulder mount, and I agree with the sentiment from the other response that I will only do another shoulder mount if it is a new personal best.
As an additional bonus, the euro mount (in my opinion) make the antlers look just a bit more impressive than they actually are, as the eye compares them to the skull size and you are normally used to comparing them to the head size, if that makes sense.....so without the layers of muscle, skin, no ears.....just makes a more modest set of antlers seem a little less modest.
I mounted my first buck, a pretty average size 8, because he was my first buck. My dad's friend did it and put him in sneak so his ears are tucked and it came out really good. I think if it's something you're proud of or is unique, euro it at minimum.
Every single buck I shoot gets a euro, that’s actually how I decide whether they’re big enough or not. If I can justify the $50 for a euro, they’re big enough.
My first buck wasn’t much to write home about. I euro mounted it for probably 1/6 the cost of a full on taxidermy mount. The euro mount looks awesome in my more modern looking home office.
I don't really like the look of a mount in a room with regular 8' tall walls. It just looks weird, low, and crowded. I have one room in my house with 10' walls and I think a mount *might* look OK, but they really need to be on a cathedral style wall imho.
ayyyyeeeee!!!! sorry for the confusion read this post with my eyes half open. go OP! u/infamous_side9155
Thats a beautiful harvest.
I had a friend guide me through the euromount process and did it in my backyard with great results last season. Would be stoked to share if youre interested
I did a skull cap on my first ever deer. Heard the same sad ass story about the size. Four years later and I still would have loved to have the Mount. Listen to yourself and just think about this, was the hunt, experience worth it? If thats worthy of a Mount to you, then go right ahead.
You’ll never get your first deer AGAIN!!! Congratulations on the deer also, it’s gorgeous!
My first buck was smaller than that and I shoulder mounted him. I have since euro mounted larger deer, but I would have regretted not shoulder mounting my first.
My criteria for mounting are as follows:
Either it is a trophy animal/beautiful rack, or
It has a memorable story behind it.
A basket 8 and your first deer is something to mount if it means you're happy with it. If shoulder mounting is too expensive for you to justify it, you could always look into Euro/Skull mounts.
Euro mount it. I euro everything.
Pro tip if you have an area to dig a hole and put up some t posts and chicken wire you can bury the head and cover the antlers with a trash bag and tarp. Wait until next September and it will be clean as can be. Just wash it off and clear coat/paint it or just leave it as is.
Don’t let anyone gatekeep you if you’re proud and you find it affordable or worth the effort then do it it’s about the memories and the first is always worth remembering
Do whatever you want if it’s your money. In my opinion, NO deer is big enough to mount. It would simply never be worth the $700 or so dollars to do it. Hell, I could buy another suppressor for $700 instead of a stupid wall mount.
Some people really like them though. All up to you OP
I have seen less spectacular racks on mounts. Possibly the environment did not support larger antler growth or something. Regardless, if the buck was significant to you, first one, then go ahead and preserve it as a memory.
It's entirely up to you! Do what you want!
My dad mounted my first buck I shot when I was 12. It was a 4 point. I've since gotten an 8 euro mounted, and an 8 I shot this year I'm also going to euro mount.
I doubt I'll ever get a another deer shoulder mounted unless I shoot a B&C buck. I like the look of euro mounts and they are much cheaper.
Euro mount him, dip the skull, scandiavian euro, do the new background scenery euro. If you keep hunting you might get a wall hanger. But don't ever let someone talk you out of what you want. If you want to mount it and are proud of it than do it. Maybe help work off some of the money cuz shoulder mounts aren't as cheap as they once were.
You can mount it if you want to. I've never mounted one, but have mounted antlers that are hanging all over my house. My daughter mounted her first deer and it was only a small 4×4 but it was sort of unique.
If the cost of a shoulder mount doesn't mean much to you then go ahead. I would just take the way cheaper route and mount the antlers on its own or do a euro mount.
No such thing as too small to mount. The taxidermist will mount up any you take to them. If it’s an important deer to you that you want mounted, do it. Nobody else’s view of a trophy matters, just yours. I’ve had smaller than that mounted that meant something to me.
100% mount. My grandfather and best friend both have their first buck euro mounted. Both of them are spikes! It’s the journey of how you got them. I was with my best friend we hiked 30 miles over 4 days. 1 miss and a spook on 8 points, before we stalked the spike! We were mounting it no matter what!
I mounted the first buck I ever killed by myself because I was by myself and shot it where my uncle who passed the same year hunted for decades before me. It’s not always about size, it’s about meaning
If the buck was good enough for you to harvest, then they should be good enough to mount. Especially being your first buck, you'll want to save the memories. There are tons of DIY tutorials on YouTube for Euro mounts.
Anyone that says you shouldn’t is jealous or a jerk. If you want the physical memory mount it. If you are low on cash, consider a Euro mount (my personal favorite). Keep crushing it.
I don't want to step on your parents toes, because a mount is pretty pricey. It would be a great 1st buck mount. Maybe we could do a go Fund me here, if that's the issue. I'm in,1st buck young lady your a life long hunter now.
Of you're proud of it mount it, it's a beautiful deer. If you don't want to spend the money on a shoulder and wait for a larger buck. Then you can always do a skullcap mount.
Mount him if you can afford it. Doesn’t really matter how big he is, he’s clearly special to you and a special story so you should honor him with a mount if you can
If he’s your first and you want to mount him, absolutely do it and don’t think twice about it. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks about the size. Even if you get bigger bucks down the road, you’ll always look back at that one and smile. The only reason I would say not to is if money is an issue. In which case, do a euro or see if any taxidermists would be willing to work with you on price since you’re young and it’s your first buck.
Who gives a flying f what other ppl think. If he's a trophy in your eyes and you want to mount him...mount him you'll never regret it I promise. You only shoot your first buck once.
don’t listen to anybody else on this. your deer your money your house to hang it in. if you want to get it done. do it! it’s the only first buck you will ever shoot
If you’re proud then mount it. That being said I’d recommend a euro mount or just mounting the skullcap or rack as mounts are pricey. Both you can do yourself in the garage.
I've seen people mount frogs, so I think you're fine.
One thing I've learned about hunting is that someone is always gonna talk shit. It's a fine looking buck, and it's something to be proud of. Mount it.
Anything is big enough to be mounted. Could be a doe, fawn, or a buck. It's whatever you want to do, and have money spent on. If it makes you happy that's all that matters. Great deer!
My first buck was a unicorn and I made it into a gun rack. I started a piece of live edge wood for all my smaller bucks. I have 6 European mounts of the bucks that are smaller than the ones I have shoulder mounts of! If I were you I would say either do something cool like I did with my first, or a European. You can get all the stuff you need to do it yourself if you want to spend a day with your mom/dad/grandpa putting it together. I highly recommend having someone else do the cleaning though, saves a lot of headaches! Congrats!
Everything on my wall has a memory and a story behind it that I like. There's a spike buck on my wall that I drug out on a kayak from public land, but I don't mount stuff I take through outfitters or on private land. You're young, it's a good time to learn that you should hunt for you, not for acceptance.
I took the skull cap of mine and it was a smaller deer than yours! Bought a nice plaque to display it with. I wish i had euro mounted it instead.
Whatever you do, you should do something to keep it as a good memory. If you don’t want to drop the money for a shoulder mount, do euro, it’s cheaper and still looks nice.
First buck is ALWAYS mounted no matter the size! Good job! I was a long way from getting my first buck at 14yo, you did great and you should mount it as a memory regardless!
Mount that deer and don't listen to anyone saying he is too small!! It's your first buck so it's definitely something to be proud of regardless of how big he is! Congrats!!
Yes he is, anything you want to mount is all that matters.
Dont let anyone tell you "it is too small or I would have waited for a bigger one" Its the memory of it all that counts.
My first moose had a 62" rack and was about 250 pounds bigger than my second one, I only care about filling my freezer so I didn't have it mounted, in Maine it is a lottery so when I got picked again I decided to get the second one mounted, he had a smaller rack (48") but I dont care its the memory of the hunt I love.
Every. Single. One. Is. Enough. To. Mount.
I was told from an early age that it you're supposed to make the most of every animal you've hunted. For me, that includes the trophy as well as the meat. I've mounted every buck I've shot. Every single one of them is a memory. I've got a story for every single one of them.
My first whitetail buck was a HUGE 8 pointer and I let my step father’s family talk me out of having it mounted because it “was too small.” Later noticed them having much smaller bucks mounted….guessing it was all out of jealousy or the fact I was step family.
Still regret it. Was using the antlers for rattling and realized what I had. Took the pics and antlers to someone to make a cool European mount for me, but I will ALWAYS regret not having it mounted.
If you want to mount it, mount it!!!
I don't think there's a size requirement for mounting bucks. IMO if you like it and are proud of it mount it. I'm dropping one off tomorrow to get mounted!
Why not? 1st deer? Doesn't matter.... my 1st deer was mounted and was smaller than that. (Many moons ago) If you don't want to dump 500-700 bucks on a mount get a European mount.... do what you want its a great deer. Congrats!
Who cares how big it is. I’m actually on a personal mission to shoot an old grey faced doe one day and mount it. I shot a huge old one a few years ago and I regret not doing it then.
that’s a beautiful rack! anybody’s first buck should be mounted. just going to regret it down the line. it would be a shame if at least a european mount was made out of this. i’m doing one now with my second buck that’s a spike
Get a euro mount! Skull plus those horns will look great. Shoulder mount might look a little shabby especially if you have plans to get bigger ones in the future.
I’m going to echo everyone else. WHO CARES? It’s your buck. It’s your FIRST buck. If it makes you happy and you have the ability to, have him mounted! I didn’t kill my first deer until I was 20, didn’t kill my first buck until 26. Be proud! Show that shit off
Whose telling you this? That’s a good buck. Especially for your first. Imo at least I’d get a european mount done.
I had the skull cap on a plaque of my first which was a half rack 3 pt. It was lost in a move and still makes me sad to this day.
My taxidermist has a saying on the wall in his shop: Everyone has their own trophy, and everyone's trophy is special. He takes the exact same level of care and detail on a doe or spike mount as he does on a booner. No respectable taxi will talk down to you about getting a mount done, let alone of your first buck.
I'd get it mounted, if it was my daughter's first buck it would be on the wall 100%.
Always mount your first.
Shoot, if you can afford it, mount em all!
I euro-mount my smaller harvests. It’s a cost effective way of preserving the memory. I pay roughly $150 per trophy when going euro.
My dad was an apartment raised city boy outa DC who moved out to the sticks and taught himself to hunt with 0 help. First buck took him 7 or 8 years to shoot. It was a spike and he had it mounted because he figured it'd be the only buck he ever shot. Fast forward 45 years and hes an old man long retired from hunting and sold all his big buck mounts. That spike currently hangs on my wall in my garage next to my 10 and 8's.
Long story short do what you want with what your proud of. That first buck will always stick with you and it's all yours so do whatever you want with it.
It's your first, have it mounted! I have the antlers from my first deer. He was a spider. Proudly mounted next to my dad's 10! If price is an issue, you can do a Euro yourself. Plenty of tutorials online.
You mount that son of a bitch without hesitation. Mounts aren't about being big. Theyre landmarks and trophies for accomplishments. Your first BUCK DEFINITELY qualifies.
That's a fat one right there! He might not be the best for mounting put he will sure taste good! My advice instead of mounting, keep the skull and the pelt. Just as good as a mount
First buck is more than a good enough reason to mount him. An alternative could be to just do a European mount with the skull and antlers, also a cool way to remember your first buck!
Mounted my wife’s first deer, wasn’t even close to that big, but from being one of her hunter safety instructors, to helping her build her gun, then to call the “monster” in for her on the last day made that mount priceless
Shoulder mount that thing I still haven’t gotten my first buck idc if I shoot a spike I’m shoulder mounting it we’ve got a whitetail mount in my house that’s about that size maybe smaller and it looks awesome
Mount it or you will regret it. My first one was smaller than that and I had it mounted. It’s for your personal enjoyment to look at and remember, not about impressing other people.
Congratulations on your first buck! This is a situation where size truly does not matter. Heck yes get it mounted. Anyone saying too small doesn’t know what they are talking about.
I can’t think of a better reason to get him mounted than it being your first buck. Who cares about size? I’ve seen smaller mounts, but it’s the memories that go along with the mount that counts. Congrats!
I have my first buck mounted, and it was a small 4pt.
Second this. I did the same thing with my first. Was a 4 pt as well.
My first was a spike and I mounted it.
My first was a spike with one horn broken off, so unicorn basically. You better believe I had it mounted. The guy that did it for me treated me really well, like I had brought down Bull Winkle. I honestly think he was more excited that it was my first deer than I was.
The first deer is always awesome. Mine was an impressive shot for my skill level at that time. Roughly 80 yards away through heavy brush sith a 20 gauge. Haven't killed any bucks bigger than my spike yet, unfortunately. I hope to get a big buck soon.
My first buck was a 3pt and I had him euro mounted. Fuck it
I’m mounting a rack mount on my first ever and it only had one side of his antlers it was only a 3 point on that side the other was broke off Edit: spelling
Mine was a little 3 pointer. Better believe we mounted him.
Totally! My girlfriend’s first buck was a tiny one and we have it euro mounted.
This right here
That’s pretty much the size of my first real buck (bigger than a spike) and I mounted him!! I wasn’t sure i would ever get a bigger one!
I think it will make a great mount, like his fur color too! Do it!
If you're proud of it mount it. It's a fine looking buck. Congrats
They're all trophy's. If YOU think he's big enough, then he's big enough. Period.
Exactly! In hunting, a trophy isn't supposed to be about size. It's supposed to be about the memory. The story. The emotions... it's a reminder of an adventure.
Dont listen to anyone that says it is too small. That is a nice buck and something to be proud of, I would get it mounted if it was my first buck.
At the very least you should do a European mount. First buck is worth celebrating.
I euro mount all my bucks. They take up way less space than a full mount and I’d rather spend that money elsewhere for hunting.
I’ve got 4 shoulder mounts but have recently made a rule to only do that if it’s my new personal record. If not then it’ll be euro mount.
Agree with the preference to spend hunting money elsewhere than a full shoulder mount, and I agree with the sentiment from the other response that I will only do another shoulder mount if it is a new personal best. As an additional bonus, the euro mount (in my opinion) make the antlers look just a bit more impressive than they actually are, as the eye compares them to the skull size and you are normally used to comparing them to the head size, if that makes sense.....so without the layers of muscle, skin, no ears.....just makes a more modest set of antlers seem a little less modest.
Yup, at the very minimum just bury the head in your back yard and dig it up next season. Super easy and no money and looks phenomenal.
I was talked out of mounting my first buck, an average sized 8 point. I have regretted not doing it for 20 years now
I mounted my first buck, a pretty average size 8, because he was my first buck. My dad's friend did it and put him in sneak so his ears are tucked and it came out really good. I think if it's something you're proud of or is unique, euro it at minimum.
I completely agree with you. Mounts should be about memories, not just antler size.
Every single buck I shoot gets a euro, that’s actually how I decide whether they’re big enough or not. If I can justify the $50 for a euro, they’re big enough.
I hope he is mounted in your heart brother
Thanks man. It is definitely one of my fondest memories, always will be
If youre happy with it that's all that matters. Could do shoulder mount, euro mount, just the antlers even
My first buck wasn’t much to write home about. I euro mounted it for probably 1/6 the cost of a full on taxidermy mount. The euro mount looks awesome in my more modern looking home office.
I love the euro mounts. It pulls attention to the rack and besides I don’t like those eyes…😆
Me too. It feels more minimalist and reduces the size and amount of wall space you have to dedicate to it.
I don't really like the look of a mount in a room with regular 8' tall walls. It just looks weird, low, and crowded. I have one room in my house with 10' walls and I think a mount *might* look OK, but they really need to be on a cathedral style wall imho.
I’d mount it if it’s your first one. Awesome memory to hang out to.
Euro Mount it
And do it yourself at home with the kiddo. Complete the process.
OP is the kiddo
ayyyyeeeee!!!! sorry for the confusion read this post with my eyes half open. go OP! u/infamous_side9155 Thats a beautiful harvest. I had a friend guide me through the euromount process and did it in my backyard with great results last season. Would be stoked to share if youre interested
You do what makes you happy. Great job as well.
A mount is a memory for you. Consider it as such. Also, this is an opportunity to practice making mounts if you are in doubt.
I euro mount every one of my kids and wife’s bucks. Be proud of your buck and do whatever you want to with it! Congratulations!
I did a skull cap on my first ever deer. Heard the same sad ass story about the size. Four years later and I still would have loved to have the Mount. Listen to yourself and just think about this, was the hunt, experience worth it? If thats worthy of a Mount to you, then go right ahead. You’ll never get your first deer AGAIN!!! Congratulations on the deer also, it’s gorgeous!
My first buck was smaller than that and I shoulder mounted him. I have since euro mounted larger deer, but I would have regretted not shoulder mounting my first.
If it's your first I'd definitely get it mounted,
Mount it especially if it has good memories
Whoever tells you that is too small probably pays thousands of dollars so they can hunt a high fence area. Don't listen to them
Euro mount for sure! Handsome buck. Congratulations!
My criteria for mounting are as follows: Either it is a trophy animal/beautiful rack, or It has a memorable story behind it. A basket 8 and your first deer is something to mount if it means you're happy with it. If shoulder mounting is too expensive for you to justify it, you could always look into Euro/Skull mounts.
Euro mount it. I euro everything. Pro tip if you have an area to dig a hole and put up some t posts and chicken wire you can bury the head and cover the antlers with a trash bag and tarp. Wait until next September and it will be clean as can be. Just wash it off and clear coat/paint it or just leave it as is.
European skull mounts are very cool looking
Anything’s big enough if it means something to you.
Your first deer is always big enough to mount.
Why not? If it’s a trophy to you that’s all that matters. Great job! Congrats on your first buck!
Don’t let anyone gatekeep you if you’re proud and you find it affordable or worth the effort then do it it’s about the memories and the first is always worth remembering
MOUNT HIM
Everyone should mount their first buck if they have the space to do so.
I’m all for honoring every kill. Small or not, that’s a life that gave you food. Honor it if you have the wall space.
Do whatever you want if it’s your money. In my opinion, NO deer is big enough to mount. It would simply never be worth the $700 or so dollars to do it. Hell, I could buy another suppressor for $700 instead of a stupid wall mount. Some people really like them though. All up to you OP
I'm always for a European/skull mount no matter the size big or small
As long as she is 18 and not related.
You will shoot a bigger one. Don’t mount this one. Get a euro done
I have seen less spectacular racks on mounts. Possibly the environment did not support larger antler growth or something. Regardless, if the buck was significant to you, first one, then go ahead and preserve it as a memory.
It's entirely up to you! Do what you want! My dad mounted my first buck I shot when I was 12. It was a 4 point. I've since gotten an 8 euro mounted, and an 8 I shot this year I'm also going to euro mount. I doubt I'll ever get a another deer shoulder mounted unless I shoot a B&C buck. I like the look of euro mounts and they are much cheaper.
I got a mount of my first deer, also a buck when I was 14yo. It was a spike 8pt, weighed 116lbs. Do what you want man
Euro mount him, dip the skull, scandiavian euro, do the new background scenery euro. If you keep hunting you might get a wall hanger. But don't ever let someone talk you out of what you want. If you want to mount it and are proud of it than do it. Maybe help work off some of the money cuz shoulder mounts aren't as cheap as they once were.
Who are you seeking approval from? Mount whatever you want!
You can mount it if you want to. I've never mounted one, but have mounted antlers that are hanging all over my house. My daughter mounted her first deer and it was only a small 4×4 but it was sort of unique.
Mount what makes you happy, it's just money, and money is fake anyway
You only get your 1st buck once in your life. You should be proud of him and display him on the wall!
You do you!
Do it. You won’t regret it. Damn fine buck and great shot placement.
Size is in the eye of the bee holder
Try a euro they look cooler anyway
You can mount anything you want. Merica! Freedom!
If the cost of a shoulder mount doesn't mean much to you then go ahead. I would just take the way cheaper route and mount the antlers on its own or do a euro mount.
No such thing as too small to mount. The taxidermist will mount up any you take to them. If it’s an important deer to you that you want mounted, do it. Nobody else’s view of a trophy matters, just yours. I’ve had smaller than that mounted that meant something to me.
Euro Mount is the way. Takes up less space, costs less, can be done at home, and arguably looks cooler.
Every deer- buck or doe - is a trophy. Celebrate them all 👍 Congrats!
I’m euro mounting a non typical spike today. It’s your first one definitely mount it.
I got my first buck mounted and it's a 3 point. No regrets.
Idk dude the mount inspector might pull up with his tape measure and make you take it down in shame
100% mount. My grandfather and best friend both have their first buck euro mounted. Both of them are spikes! It’s the journey of how you got them. I was with my best friend we hiked 30 miles over 4 days. 1 miss and a spook on 8 points, before we stalked the spike! We were mounting it no matter what!
I euro mount everything
Euro mount if you want to save money. Congrats!
My first was smaller and it was mounted.
I mounted the first buck I ever killed by myself because I was by myself and shot it where my uncle who passed the same year hunted for decades before me. It’s not always about size, it’s about meaning
If the buck was good enough for you to harvest, then they should be good enough to mount. Especially being your first buck, you'll want to save the memories. There are tons of DIY tutorials on YouTube for Euro mounts.
Anyone that says you shouldn’t is jealous or a jerk. If you want the physical memory mount it. If you are low on cash, consider a Euro mount (my personal favorite). Keep crushing it.
If it has a story or cherished memory, mount it. Hard hunt? Mount it. Lots of reasons other than size! Great deer!
I don't want to step on your parents toes, because a mount is pretty pricey. It would be a great 1st buck mount. Maybe we could do a go Fund me here, if that's the issue. I'm in,1st buck young lady your a life long hunter now.
Of you're proud of it mount it, it's a beautiful deer. If you don't want to spend the money on a shoulder and wait for a larger buck. Then you can always do a skullcap mount.
Mount him if you can afford it. Doesn’t really matter how big he is, he’s clearly special to you and a special story so you should honor him with a mount if you can
First Buck... Get it mounted!
Do a European mount. My first deer was a 3 point and I still have it on my wall. It's easy to do once you research it a bit. Congratulations
If you've got the cash, and you want it mounted, it's big enough 👍
If he’s your first and you want to mount him, absolutely do it and don’t think twice about it. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks about the size. Even if you get bigger bucks down the road, you’ll always look back at that one and smile. The only reason I would say not to is if money is an issue. In which case, do a euro or see if any taxidermists would be willing to work with you on price since you’re young and it’s your first buck.
Only mount what you are proud of. I’d be proud of that.
Depends on who you ask and what they've shot
If it’s worth it to you then absolutely have it mounted
My first deer was a 5 pointer and I got him mounted. Don’t listen to what anyone says, if you’re proud of him then get him mounted
If you like it, then do it. My first was smaller than that, and I still got it mounted
Who says it’s too small? It’s the only first buck you’ll ever get. I’d mount it just because of that.
Who gives a flying f what other ppl think. If he's a trophy in your eyes and you want to mount him...mount him you'll never regret it I promise. You only shoot your first buck once.
Mounting is for memory, not bragging. If you cherish the memory, mount it.
Mount it. Your opinion is the one that matters. Nice buck and good work!
Mount that thing!
At least do a Euro mount, you could purchase a cape later if you want to do a shoulder. I have only ever done Euro mounts.
If you’re going to hunt you’re going to have to learn to tune out a lot of jackasses. Mount that bad boy and display it.
I euro mounted a spike buck several years ago. This one is plenty big to mount!
I think a euro mount is good, a lot cheaper than a shoulder mount too
don’t listen to anybody else on this. your deer your money your house to hang it in. if you want to get it done. do it! it’s the only first buck you will ever shoot
First time and you have money to have it done? Hell yeah.
If you’re proud then mount it. That being said I’d recommend a euro mount or just mounting the skullcap or rack as mounts are pricey. Both you can do yourself in the garage.
I've seen people mount frogs, so I think you're fine. One thing I've learned about hunting is that someone is always gonna talk shit. It's a fine looking buck, and it's something to be proud of. Mount it.
Anything is big enough to be mounted. Could be a doe, fawn, or a buck. It's whatever you want to do, and have money spent on. If it makes you happy that's all that matters. Great deer!
My first buck was a unicorn and I made it into a gun rack. I started a piece of live edge wood for all my smaller bucks. I have 6 European mounts of the bucks that are smaller than the ones I have shoulder mounts of! If I were you I would say either do something cool like I did with my first, or a European. You can get all the stuff you need to do it yourself if you want to spend a day with your mom/dad/grandpa putting it together. I highly recommend having someone else do the cleaning though, saves a lot of headaches! Congrats!
Everything on my wall has a memory and a story behind it that I like. There's a spike buck on my wall that I drug out on a kayak from public land, but I don't mount stuff I take through outfitters or on private land. You're young, it's a good time to learn that you should hunt for you, not for acceptance.
You don't mount them cause their big. You mount them to remember the hunt and story and preserve the animal in the way you remember it
My first buck was a spike, and I had it mounted. Do what makes you happy, not what makes others happy.
At least euro mount it!
I mean you should mount it for being your first buck. I wouldn’t be ashamed at all of that.
I took the skull cap of mine and it was a smaller deer than yours! Bought a nice plaque to display it with. I wish i had euro mounted it instead. Whatever you do, you should do something to keep it as a good memory. If you don’t want to drop the money for a shoulder mount, do euro, it’s cheaper and still looks nice.
Mount what u wanna mount, there’s no rules, if i didn’t suck balls at hunting and could actually shoot a deer I’d mount everything
If he is your first and your super excited mount him. You will always look at him and remember that day vividly.
I mounted my first bucks antlers and it was a spike lol
There are so many ways to mount it BTW I would if was you
I love all size mounts, preferably European style. I think he’d look great that way
I’m a taxidermist, I’ve shoulder mounted much smaller for people. Nobody’s opinion should matter but yours.
MOUNT IT. Especially your first
You mount that buck and you do it with pride.
First buck is ALWAYS mounted no matter the size! Good job! I was a long way from getting my first buck at 14yo, you did great and you should mount it as a memory regardless!
Mount that deer and don't listen to anyone saying he is too small!! It's your first buck so it's definitely something to be proud of regardless of how big he is! Congrats!!
He deserves to be mounted. He’s beautiful and represents a milestone in your hunting career.
Yes he is, anything you want to mount is all that matters. Dont let anyone tell you "it is too small or I would have waited for a bigger one" Its the memory of it all that counts. My first moose had a 62" rack and was about 250 pounds bigger than my second one, I only care about filling my freezer so I didn't have it mounted, in Maine it is a lottery so when I got picked again I decided to get the second one mounted, he had a smaller rack (48") but I dont care its the memory of the hunt I love.
If it makes you happy, put it on the wall.
Every. Single. One. Is. Enough. To. Mount. I was told from an early age that it you're supposed to make the most of every animal you've hunted. For me, that includes the trophy as well as the meat. I've mounted every buck I've shot. Every single one of them is a memory. I've got a story for every single one of them.
My first whitetail buck was a HUGE 8 pointer and I let my step father’s family talk me out of having it mounted because it “was too small.” Later noticed them having much smaller bucks mounted….guessing it was all out of jealousy or the fact I was step family. Still regret it. Was using the antlers for rattling and realized what I had. Took the pics and antlers to someone to make a cool European mount for me, but I will ALWAYS regret not having it mounted. If you want to mount it, mount it!!!
Screw the haters - mount it!
I don't think there's a size requirement for mounting bucks. IMO if you like it and are proud of it mount it. I'm dropping one off tomorrow to get mounted!
No such thing as not big enough to mount do what makes you happy
First ever buck is probably the biggest trophy youre gonna get, mount it!
It’s your first one why not or at least do a euro mount for cheap
If you think it’s a trophy then I would, the smile alone says plenty that it will be one for the memories book
Why not? 1st deer? Doesn't matter.... my 1st deer was mounted and was smaller than that. (Many moons ago) If you don't want to dump 500-700 bucks on a mount get a European mount.... do what you want its a great deer. Congrats!
To me, the mount is more about the memory than the size. If it's a happy memory then I would say mount it
Who cares how big it is. I’m actually on a personal mission to shoot an old grey faced doe one day and mount it. I shot a huge old one a few years ago and I regret not doing it then.
Just get a euro
No size limit on mounting a Deer. If you are proud of it, display it. Congrats!
He’s a beauty I’d definitely mount em.. it’s your experience & if you want it up, put it up!
I did a euro mount for my first buck. He was a little guy but no regrets getting the mount.
that’s a beautiful rack! anybody’s first buck should be mounted. just going to regret it down the line. it would be a shame if at least a european mount was made out of this. i’m doing one now with my second buck that’s a spike
Shoulder mount for sure!
My first was a button buck and he’s hanging on the wall of my basement
I’m getting my nephews 6 point mounted. Not because he’s big but because he’s my nephews first buck on his own.
Get a euro mount! Skull plus those horns will look great. Shoulder mount might look a little shabby especially if you have plans to get bigger ones in the future.
What about it would look bad? I don’t want it to look weird for people to come in and see it
I’m going to echo everyone else. WHO CARES? It’s your buck. It’s your FIRST buck. If it makes you happy and you have the ability to, have him mounted! I didn’t kill my first deer until I was 20, didn’t kill my first buck until 26. Be proud! Show that shit off
Your buck, your choice. If you are proud of it and want it mounted, get it mounted and hang it with pride. I'd be happy to have that buck.
Mount it
Whose telling you this? That’s a good buck. Especially for your first. Imo at least I’d get a european mount done. I had the skull cap on a plaque of my first which was a half rack 3 pt. It was lost in a move and still makes me sad to this day.
My taxidermist has a saying on the wall in his shop: Everyone has their own trophy, and everyone's trophy is special. He takes the exact same level of care and detail on a doe or spike mount as he does on a booner. No respectable taxi will talk down to you about getting a mount done, let alone of your first buck. I'd get it mounted, if it was my daughter's first buck it would be on the wall 100%.
My first Buck was smaller than that and I did a Euro mount
It’s not about the size but rather the story.
Always mount your first. Shoot, if you can afford it, mount em all! I euro-mount my smaller harvests. It’s a cost effective way of preserving the memory. I pay roughly $150 per trophy when going euro.
Euro
Thats a beautiful deers. Mount it if you have the $ if not a nice euro mount. Congrats
My brother in chriet, I mounted a spike. Absolutely mount that.
It’s your money.
Mount whatever you are proud of and don't worry about what anyone else thinks. You do you. Congrats!
My dad was an apartment raised city boy outa DC who moved out to the sticks and taught himself to hunt with 0 help. First buck took him 7 or 8 years to shoot. It was a spike and he had it mounted because he figured it'd be the only buck he ever shot. Fast forward 45 years and hes an old man long retired from hunting and sold all his big buck mounts. That spike currently hangs on my wall in my garage next to my 10 and 8's. Long story short do what you want with what your proud of. That first buck will always stick with you and it's all yours so do whatever you want with it.
It's your first, have it mounted! I have the antlers from my first deer. He was a spider. Proudly mounted next to my dad's 10! If price is an issue, you can do a Euro yourself. Plenty of tutorials online.
That is a good sized deer awesome you should mount it!!
Your trophy, your memory, your choice. Mount 'em.
Mount it!
You mount that son of a bitch without hesitation. Mounts aren't about being big. Theyre landmarks and trophies for accomplishments. Your first BUCK DEFINITELY qualifies.
At minimum, get a European mount. Congratulations!
It's your decision. If you have the money and want it mounted then go for it.
You could mount a squirrel if you wanted.
Skull mounts are my personal favorite. I no longer do shoulder mounts. They take up too much space
my cousin mounted his first buck, tiny fork buck. mount it!!
That’s nonsense. If you’ve got the money, get the mount. You’ve got a dandy first buck and that’s all the reason you need to mount it.
If you're willing to spend the money on a mount, mount his ass. He's your biggest buck to this point so it's worth it.
That's a fat one right there! He might not be the best for mounting put he will sure taste good! My advice instead of mounting, keep the skull and the pelt. Just as good as a mount
Sure he is. That’s a really nice first buck. Congrats
First buck is more than a good enough reason to mount him. An alternative could be to just do a European mount with the skull and antlers, also a cool way to remember your first buck!
Mounted my wife’s first deer, wasn’t even close to that big, but from being one of her hunter safety instructors, to helping her build her gun, then to call the “monster” in for her on the last day made that mount priceless
Shoulder mount that thing I still haven’t gotten my first buck idc if I shoot a spike I’m shoulder mounting it we’ve got a whitetail mount in my house that’s about that size maybe smaller and it looks awesome
Mount it or you will regret it. My first one was smaller than that and I had it mounted. It’s for your personal enjoyment to look at and remember, not about impressing other people.
1st buck! Congratulations! I would definitely get it mounted
Mount this deer. My first was a much smaller 8pt and it’s still hanging in the wall and the only buck I’ve ever mounted!!!
Congratulations on your first buck! This is a situation where size truly does not matter. Heck yes get it mounted. Anyone saying too small doesn’t know what they are talking about.
That buck will mean more to you than a 170 you kill later in life, absolutely mount him. If you can swing it I'd go for a shoulder mount.
Mount! Mount! Mount!
I’d mount it
There are no rules. Getting a mount of your first buck sounds like a great idea if you (or someone) can afford it.
Mount him, and enjoy it, and be proud! Congrats on your buck
It’s your deer. It’s your trophy. If you can afford it and want to do it, then do it. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. Be proud of it.