Getting My Hands on the Dead Deer Bonehead Mount
My workshop, once a sanctuary of organized chaos for my outdoor and lab equipment, had become a gallery of hunting trophies. After a particularly successful season, I found myself with a trio of impressive deer racks that, frankly, were starting to feel a bit neglected. Traditional wooden plaque mounts felt a bit dated for my modern aesthetic, and I was searching for something with a bit more industrial flair that wouldn’t overshadow the natural beauty of the antlers. I recalled seeing similar metal skull mounts in some outdoor magazines and began my search. I stumbled upon the Dead Deer Bonehead Mount from Do All Outdoors, a piece that promised a solid, no-nonsense display solution. Considering its straightforward design and the $51.99 price point, it seemed like a viable option. I briefly looked at some custom-welded alternatives online, but the lead times and cost were prohibitive for a simple display piece. My first impression upon unboxing was one of heft and simplicity; it felt like exactly what it was advertised to be: a robust metal mount.
Real-World Testing: Putting Dead Deer Bonehead Mount to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing involved preparing one of the deer racks for display. I brought the mount and a clean deer skull cap into my heated garage workshop. The process of fitting the antlers onto the mount was surprisingly straightforward. I only needed a single screw for assembly, which was a welcome change from some multi-part mounting kits I’d wrestled with in the past. The powder-coated finish felt durable to the touch, and I wasn’t worried about it chipping easily during this initial setup.
I tested its stability by gently rocking the mounted antlers. The Dead Deer Bonehead Mount held firm, with no discernible wobble or flex. The bone white color of the mount provided a clean, neutral backdrop that allowed the natural browns and grays of the antlers to stand out. I deliberately placed it on a slightly uneven workbench surface to see if any imbalance would manifest, but it remained stable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a few months, the bonehead mount has become a permanent fixture on my workshop wall, holding a mature buck’s rack. It has endured the typical fluctuations in workshop temperature and humidity without any visible degradation. The powder coat still looks as good as it did on day one, showing no signs of rust or peeling, which is a testament to its quality.
Cleaning is as simple as a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth, and even a bit of dust accumulation has been easy to manage. Compared to some older wooden mounts I’ve used which could warp or collect moisture, this steel mount feels significantly more resilient and lower maintenance. I haven’t experienced any loosening of the attachment screw, even with the weight of the skull cap and antlers. It’s proven to be a reliable, set-it-and-forget-it piece of display hardware.
Breaking Down the Features of Dead Deer Bonehead Mount
Specifications
The Dead Deer Bonehead Mount is constructed from solid steel, a material choice that immediately speaks to its durability. It’s finished with a powder coated bone white color, offering a clean and classic aesthetic. The design is intended to fit skull caps with antlers from most medium-sized game species, which is a crucial specification for hunters.
The attachment method is a simple screw system, which contributes to its ease of use. Do All Outdoors manufactures this mount, and the choice of steel and powder coating ensures a robust and long-lasting product. The bone white finish is not just for looks; it provides a bright, neutral canvas that makes your trophy antlers pop.
Performance & Functionality
In its primary function of displaying antlers, the Dead Deer Bonehead Mount performs exceptionally well. It provides a secure and stable platform that can easily handle the weight of a deer skull cap and its attached antlers. The single-screw assembly means it’s not overly complicated to attach, and once secured, it feels very solid.
Its main strength lies in its no-nonsense, functional design. It does exactly what it’s supposed to do without any unnecessary frills. A potential weakness, though minor, is that “most medium sized antlers” is subjective; very large or unusually shaped skull caps might require a bit more adjustment or perhaps a different mounting solution. However, for the typical whitetail or mule deer rack, it’s a perfect fit.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Dead Deer Bonehead Mount is elegantly simple, emphasizing function over form, yet achieving a clean aesthetic. The use of solid steel gives it a substantial feel, conveying confidence in its strength and longevity. The bone white powder coat is smoothly applied, with no rough edges or visible imperfections that I could find.
Ergonomically, it’s designed to interface with an antlered skull, so direct “hand feel” isn’t its primary concern. However, the smooth finish and rounded edges of the mounting surface make it easy to position the skull cap without snagging or damaging delicate bone. The single attachment point is also ergonomically sound for the user, minimizing installation hassle.
Durability & Maintenance
The solid steel construction of this mount inherently suggests a high degree of durability. The powder coated finish is known for its resistance to chipping, scratching, and corrosion, making it ideal for a piece that might be handled or exposed to varying workshop conditions. I anticipate this mount will last for decades with minimal care.
Maintenance is incredibly straightforward. A simple dusting or occasional wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep it looking its best. There are no moving parts to wear out or complex components to maintain, making it a worry-free addition to any trophy display.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Dead Deer Bonehead Mount is largely a self-contained unit, with the main “accessory” being the screw for assembly, which is typically included. The primary customization is, of course, the actual trophy antlers you mount to it. While Do All Outdoors doesn’t offer specific add-ons for this particular mount, its design is relatively open for potential DIY modifications should someone wish to, for example, attach it to a larger base plate or integrate it into a more complex display.
The “bone white” finish is the default color, and while other finishes might be desirable for specific decors, this color serves as a versatile neutral. It’s designed to be functional out of the box for its intended purpose.
Pros and Cons of Dead Deer Bonehead Mount
Pros
- Solid Steel Construction: Provides exceptional durability and a reassuringly heavy feel.
- Powder Coated Bone White Finish: Offers a clean, classic look that enhances trophy visibility and resists wear.
- Simple Single Screw Assembly: Makes mounting antlers a quick and straightforward process.
- Fits Most Medium Sized Antlers: Versatile for a common range of harvested game.
- Robust and Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care and is built to last.
Cons
- “Medium Sized” Specification: May require slight modification or additional support for unusually large or small skull caps.
- Limited Color Options: Primarily available in bone white, which may not suit all display aesthetics.
- Basic Design: Lacks elaborate features, which might be a drawback for those seeking a highly decorative mount.
Who Should Buy Dead Deer Bonehead Mount?
This mount is ideal for hunters who appreciate a no-nonsense, durable display solution for their medium-sized game trophies. If you have a collection of deer or similar antlers and want them showcased securely without breaking the bank, the Dead Deer Bonehead Mount is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for a workshop, garage, cabin, or any area where a rugged yet clean aesthetic is desired.
Those who should probably skip this product are individuals looking for ornate, highly decorative, or extremely specialized mounts for very large or exotic game. If you require a sterile, medical-grade component or a piece that requires precise alignment for specialized scientific equipment, this is not the product for you. For this antler mount, essential “accessories” are simply the antlers themselves, and perhaps a mounting screw if one isn’t provided, though typically they are.
Conclusion on Dead Deer Bonehead Mount
The Dead Deer Bonehead Mount from Do All Outdoors is a straightforward, exceptionally well-built piece of display hardware. For its price of $51.99, the solid steel construction and durable powder coated bone white finish offer tremendous value. It reliably fulfills its promise of providing a secure and aesthetically pleasing way to display medium-sized antlers.
While its design is simple, that simplicity is its strength, ensuring longevity and ease of use. I would personally recommend this mount to any hunter looking for a robust, no-fuss solution to showcase their trophies. If you value durability, clean presentation, and a fair price, this bonehead mount is a purchase you won’t regret.