Putting the Mountain Mike’s Deer Skull Kit Record Keeper Included Positioner Through Its Paces
For many hunters, the trophy isn’t just about the harvest; it’s about preserving the memory and the achievement. When the time comes to proudly display a mature buck, the mounting process becomes as crucial as the hunt itself. The Mountain Mike’s Deer Skull Kit Record Keeper Included Positioner aims to simplify this final, critical step for hunters who wish to maintain their animal’s record-book eligibility by utilizing the original skull plate. I picked up this kit after a particularly successful archery season, where my harvested buck showed exceptional rack potential. My usual method of boiling and cleaning a full skull felt time-consuming and, frankly, a bit messy for this particular trophy. I was looking for a clean, straightforward solution that wouldn’t compromise the integrity of the skull plate for official scoring. In a quick search, I saw a few generic skull mounting kits, but the emphasis on “Record Keeper” and the inclusion of a positioner specifically caught my eye. My first impression upon opening the box was one of practical utility; the components felt solid, and the instructions, while brief, seemed clear enough.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mountain Mike’s Deer Skull Kit Record Keeper Included Positioner to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing grounds were my home workshop, a space usually filled with the scent of wood and oil, now holding the promise of a mounted trophy. The process of attaching the antlers with the original skull plate to the synthetic skull was straightforward, as detailed in the included instructions. I found the positioner to be particularly helpful in ensuring the correct angle and alignment before the epoxy fully set. Performance was good, with the epoxy creating a strong bond and the touch-up paint doing a decent job of blending any minor imperfections.
I encountered a minor quirk when applying the touch-up paint; the included brush was a bit larger than ideal for the intricate areas around the skull plate. This required a very steady hand to avoid overpainting. Nevertheless, the kit performed its core function admirably, resulting in a secure and aesthetically pleasing mount.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a few months, the mounted trophy has held up exceptionally well. There are no signs of the epoxy weakening or the antlers shifting, even with occasional dusting and repositioning. The synthetic skull itself is robust and shows no degradation from ambient workshop conditions.
Maintenance for this kit is essentially zero once the mount is complete. The synthetic skull is durable, and the epoxy is permanent. Compared to traditional methods, this kit offers a significant advantage in terms of longevity and ease of care; there’s no organic material to degrade or require special treatment. The Mountain Mike’s Deer Skull Kit Record Keeper Included Positioner has proven to be a reliable solution for preserving my trophy.
Breaking Down the Features of Mountain Mike’s Deer Skull Kit Record Keeper Included Positioner
Specifications
The Mountain Mike’s Deer Skull Kit Record Keeper Included Positioner is designed with a specific purpose in mind: to securely mount antlers, still attached to their original skull plate, onto a synthetic skull. This approach is crucial for hunters aiming to maintain record-book eligibility, as it preserves the skull plate’s integrity for official measurements. The kit generously includes all necessary hardware: epoxy putty, screws, and filler for a seamless finish. It also comes with a small amount of touch-up paint to help blend the mount and a vital positioner to aid in achieving the perfect antler display angle. The detailed instructions provided guide the user through each step of the assembly process.
These specifications are key to the product’s success. The epoxy putty is formulated to create a robust, permanent bond between the natural skull plate and the synthetic skull, ensuring the mount will last for years. The screws provide initial stability during the curing process and add an extra layer of security to the bond. The filler is useful for any slight gaps that might appear, creating a clean, professional look. The positioner is a simple yet ingenious addition, preventing guesswork and ensuring the antlers are displayed at an optimal, eye-pleasing angle. This meticulous inclusion of components eliminates the need for a secondary trip to the hardware store, making it a truly all-inclusive kit.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of its primary function, the Mountain Mike’s Deer Skull Kit Record Keeper Included Positioner performs exceptionally well. The epoxy cures quickly and forms a rock-solid connection that I have no doubt will hold for decades. The positioner is a standout feature; it’s not just a placeholder but a carefully designed jig that guides the antlers into the ideal upward and outward stance. This feature alone is a significant benefit for anyone concerned with the final aesthetic presentation of their trophy.
The kit’s strengths lie in its comprehensive nature and the ease with which it allows a hunter to achieve a professional-looking mount. The touch-up paint, while basic, is sufficient to cover any slight discolorations or minor imperfections where the epoxy meets the skull plate. However, one minor weakness could be the limited amount of touch-up paint; for larger or more complex skull plates, a hunter might wish for a larger quantity. Despite this, the overall functionality for its intended purpose is excellent, exceeding expectations for a kit of this price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Mountain Mike’s Deer Skull Kit Record Keeper Included Positioner is purely functional and practical. The synthetic skull is molded to accept a standard deer skull plate, with pre-drilled holes for the included screws, streamlining the attachment process. The included positioner is ergonomically simple to use; it’s essentially a shaped block that supports the antler beams, allowing you to lock the desired angle in place while the epoxy hardens.
The materials feel durable and appropriate for the task. The epoxy putty is easy to knead and apply, and it doesn’t become overly sticky or difficult to handle. The screws are standard machine screws, providing a good grip when driven into the synthetic skull. While not a product that requires complex ergonomic design for hand-held use, its components are designed for efficient and accurate application, minimizing frustration and maximizing the chances of a successful outcome for the user.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the Mountain Mike’s Deer Skull Kit Record Keeper Included Positioner is tied directly to the quality of the epoxy and the synthetic skull. Based on my experience, the bond created by the epoxy is exceptionally strong and is expected to last indefinitely under normal conditions. The synthetic skull is made of a sturdy plastic that resists chipping and cracking.
Maintenance is practically non-existent once the mount is complete. The synthetic skull can be wiped down with a damp cloth if it accumulates dust, but it does not require any special cleaning or treatment. There are no obvious failure points within the kit itself, assuming the epoxy is mixed and applied correctly according to the instructions. This product is designed for a “set it and forget it” application, offering long-term peace of mind for the trophy owner.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mountain Mike’s Deer Skull Kit Record Keeper Included Positioner is remarkably complete as a standalone product. It includes the essential epoxy putty, screws, filler, touch-up paint, and the invaluable positioner. The only “customization” involved is in how you choose to align the antlers using the positioner before the epoxy sets. While there are no specific compatible accessories for the kit itself, the synthetic skull is generally designed to be a universal fit for typical deer skull plates.
For users who might want a more refined finish, the included touch-up paint is a basic color that may not perfectly match every deer’s natural coloration. In such cases, a user might consider purchasing a higher-quality, custom-matched antler repair paint from a taxidermy supplier. However, for the vast majority of users seeking a straightforward and effective mounting solution, the included components are more than sufficient.
Pros and Cons of Mountain Mike’s Deer Skull Kit Record Keeper Included Positioner
Pros
- Preserves Record Book Eligibility: The core strength is its ability to use the original skull plate, which is vital for hunters pursuing record book status.
- All-Inclusive Kit: Comes with nearly everything needed: epoxy, screws, filler, paint, and a positioner, minimizing extra purchases.
- Positioner Included: This simple yet effective tool greatly aids in achieving the correct antler angle and presentation.
- Strong, Durable Bond: The epoxy cures into a rock-solid, permanent attachment between the skull plate and the synthetic skull.
- Easy to Use: Detailed instructions and well-designed components make the process accessible even for beginners.
- Clean Alternative: Offers a much tidier and less labor-intensive alternative to traditional skull boiling and cleaning methods.
Cons
- Limited Touch-Up Paint: The provided paint may not perfectly match all antler colors, potentially requiring a custom match for a flawless finish.
- Basic Brush: The included applicator brush for the touch-up paint is a bit rudimentary for fine detail work.
Who Should Buy Mountain Mike’s Deer Skull Kit Record Keeper Included Positioner?
This kit is ideally suited for the dedicated hunter who has harvested a deer with trophy potential and wishes to preserve its record-book qualifications. It’s perfect for individuals who prefer a cleaner, more manageable mounting process than traditional methods. If you’ve always wanted to display your impressive racks but were intimidated by the complexity of taxidermy, this kit offers a user-friendly solution.
Hunters who are less concerned with record-book status or who prefer the authentic look of a full skull mount might find this product unnecessary. Those seeking a highly specialized or custom taxidermy finish might also want to supplement the kit with custom paints. For anyone looking for an accessible, effective, and record-book-friendly way to mount their deer antlers, this kit is an excellent choice.
Conclusion on Mountain Mike’s Deer Skull Kit Record Keeper Included Positioner
The Mountain Mike’s Deer Skull Kit Record Keeper Included Positioner delivers precisely what it promises: a straightforward, effective, and record-book-compliant method for mounting deer antlers. For its price of $45.99, the value is exceptional, considering the inclusion of all necessary components and the critical positioner tool. It successfully bridges the gap between a basic DIY mount and professional taxidermy, offering a tangible way for hunters to preserve their achievements without excessive effort or mess.
I wholeheartedly recommend this kit to any hunter who has taken a mature buck and wants to ensure its trophy potential is recognized while enjoying a clean, secure, and visually appealing display. It’s a product that simplifies a traditionally involved process, allowing the hunter to focus on the pride of their harvest. If you value preserving your hunting memories with integrity and ease, this kit is a solid investment.