Species of Deer Antler Taxidermy to Add to Your Collection
Taxidermy deer antlers are one of the most popular additions to any taxidermy collection!
In fact, many hunters and taxidermists enthusiasts alike enjoy collecting and showcasing different species of deer antlers in their taxidermy collections.
In this article, the All-Taxidermy experts will cover each of the different species of deer and their unique antlers that make taxidermy displays a trophy you’ll be proud to display!
General Notes About Deer Antlers
A (true) deer is a hoofed ruminant ungulate that comes from the Cervidae family. Cervidae is split into several subfamilies. These include Cervinae (elk, red deer, fallow deer, etc.); and Capreolinae (reindeer/caribou, white-tailed deer, roe deer, and moose, etc.). In total, there are over 90 different species of deer found throughout the world. Some of the most well-known species of deer distributed throughout Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, and South America include the whitetail deer, mule deer, elk, moose, axis deer, fallow deer, sika deer, and red stag deer.
Only the male deer grows antlers, with the exception of the caribou where antlers are present in both the male and female. The antlers of a male deer of all deer species are made of bone and are shed and regrown annually. The size and complexity of the antlers can be an indicator of a male deer’s health.
Use
Antlers are used by male deer during the mating season to attract females and establish dominance over other males. Antlers are also used in combat between males during the rutting season. Deer antlers are excellent for taxidermy enthusiasts who like to display them on a bookshelf, table, (single antler) or as a full display on the wall.
Velvet
Deer antlers begin to grow in the spring and are covered in a fuzzy layer of skin called velvet. The velvet provides a supply of blood and nutrients to the growing antlers. Once the antlers reach their full size, the velvet dries up and falls off. The antlers harden and the deer will use them to fight other males for dominance and mating rights. At All-Taxidermy, you’ll find that some of our antler taxidermy has this layer of velvet, which makes for a more unique taxidermy display.
Now, let’s go over the different species of deer and compare their antlers.
Whitetail Deer
In North America, the whitetail deer is the most popular species of deer that hunters pursue for their collection. Whitetail deer are distributed widely throughout North and South America, making them an ideal mammal for hunting. They are named for their distinctive white tails, which they use as a warning signal when they sense danger.
Whitetail Deer Antler Taxidermy
The antlers on male whitetail deer are typically bifurcated, (split into two main branches), with smaller branches sprouting from each of the main branches. Whitetail deer antlers are shed and regrown annually, with each new set being slightly larger than the last.
If you’re a whitetail deer antler taxidermy enthusiast, you should check out our whitetail deer category where you’ll find beautiful shoulder mounts, life-size mounts, hides, European mounts, and antlers alike. Or, if you’re planning a hunting trip and are seeking a local taxidermist to preserve your trophy, contact our team today.
Read More: What to Do To Get a Deer Mounted
Mule Deer
Mule deer, also known as blacktail deer, are found in the western half of North America, specifically the Great Plains, Rocky Mountain region, Southwestern states, and West coast. There are currently 10 known subspecies of mule deer living in these areas of the United States and Canada.
The mule deer is named for its distinctive mule-like ears.
Mule Deer Antler Taxidermy
Like the whitetail deer, the antlers on male mule deer are usually bifurcated, but unlike whitetail deer, they can also have additional points branching off of the main branches.
The antlers of mule deer can also be quite large, with some reaching lengths of over 30 inches.
Check out our mule deer taxidermy here! Or contact our taxidermists for a mule deer taxidermy or antler service!
Elk
Elk, (or wapiti), are one of the largest species of deer in the world. They are found in parts of Western North America (especially the Rocky Mountain region, northern California/Oregon/Washington, and parts of Canada) and in China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and Russia in Asia. There are currently four living species of elk in North America: The Tule elk, Roosevelt elk, Manitoba elk, and Rocky Mountain elk.
In Asia, elk are called wapiti, and moose are called elk. The Asian subspecies are Altai wapiti, Tian Shan wapiti, Manchurian wapiti, Alashan wapiti, and Tibetan red deer. For further information on the difference between elk/wapiti and moose/elk, read the article here.
Elk Antler Taxidermy
The antlers of male elk are typically palmate, meaning they have a flat, wide shape with multiple points branching off of the main beam. Elk antlers can be very large, with some reaching lengths of over 5 feet.
Need to add a North American or Asian elk taxidermy piece to your collection? Check out our elk taxidermy here.
Moose
Moose, also known as Eurasian elk, are found in the northern regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. The moose is the largest species of deer in the world, and they have distinctive, huge antlers that will make a gorgeous focal point for any North American or Eurasian taxidermy collection!
The moose’s natural distribution includes much of Alaska, Canada, and some of the Rocky Mountain region down into the United States; as well as Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, and Russia.
Moose Antler Taxidermy
The antlers on male moose are palmate, with multiple points branching off the main beam. Moose antlers tend to be wider and more flattened than those of elk, and they can reach lengths of over 6 feet.
Looking for moose taxidermy and antlers? Check out our moose category here.
You’ll find shoulder mounts, lamps with antler designs, and even full life size mounts (with or without custom habitats). Our best moose antler taxidermy trophies are indicated by the Olympic Big Game Taxidermy collection.
Axis Deer
Axis deer, also known as Chital, are native to India and Sri Lanka but have been introduced to other parts of the world, including Texas and Hawaii.
Axis deer taxidermy mounts are perfect if you enjoy collecting Asian mammals or various species of deer for your taxidermy collection.
Axis Deer Antler Taxidermy
The antlers on male axis deer are usually single spikes, or antlers with only one point, that curve backwards.
Axis deer antlers are relatively small compared to other species of deer, with a typical length of around 30 inches. Browse our Axis deer taxidermy and antlers here.
Fallow Deer
Fallow deer are native to Europe and have been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America and Australia.
Fallow deer taxidermy is one of the most popular types of deer taxidermy. Browse our fallow deer taxidermy here, or contact us with questions!
Fallow Deer Antler Taxidermy
The antlers on male fallow deer are typically palmate, with multiple points branching off of the main beam. However, fallow deer antlers can also have a distinctive shovel-like shape at the base. Browse our website for beautiful fallow deer antler taxidermy displays!
Read More: 6 Ways to Display Your Deer Taxidermy
Sika Deer
Sika deer, also known as spotted deer, are native to eastern Asia and have been introduced to other parts of the world, including the United States.
Our Sika deer taxidermy collection includes beautiful shoulder mounts, European mounts, and more.
Sika Deer Antler Taxidermy
The antlers on male sika deer are usually relatively short, with just a few points branching off of the main beam. Its also worth noting that the antlers of sika deer also have a distinctive curve to them.
The photo here shows off that distinctive curve and beautiful features of the sika deer species!
Red Stag Deer
Red stag deer, also known as European elk, are native to Europe and have been introduced to other parts of the world, including New Zealand and North America. Take a look at our red stag deer taxidermy here. You’ll find beautiful red stag shoulder mounts, pedestals, European mounts, and more.
Our best red stag deer pieces are indicated by either the Olympic Big Game Taxidermy or the Global Exotic Taxidermy collections.
Red Stag Deer Antler Taxidermy
The antlers of red stag deer can be quite large, with some reaching lengths of over 4 feet. The overall shape of the antlers are typically palmate, with multiple points branching off of the main beam. This creates a gorgeous, impressive set of taxidermy antlers, which make the Red Stag one of the most majestic species to include in your taxidermy collection!
Père David’s Deer
Père David’s deer are a species of deer that are native to China but have since been reintroduced to various locations around the world. Their scientific name is Elaphurus davidianus.
Père David’s deer have a distinctive appearance, with a coat that is a reddish-brown color and white on the underbelly and around the eyes.
Père David’s Deer Antler Taxidermy
They have long, narrow antlers that curve backwards, with multiple points branching off of the main beam. The antlers can reach lengths of over three feet and are shed and regrown annually.
The antlers of Père David’s deer are unique in that they have a distinctive forked shape, with the main beam splitting into two or three branches towards the end.
Coues Deer
Coues deer, also known as the Arizona whitetail deer, are a small subspecies of deer that are found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Their scientific name is Odocoileus virginianus couesi.
Males and females are similar in size, with males weighing between 80-120 pounds and females weighing between 60-90 pounds.
Coues Deer Antler Taxidermy
The antlers of Coues deer are typically small and slender, with relatively few points compared to other species of deer. The antlers of a mature buck will typically have two or three points on each side, with a maximum of five points on each side in rare cases.
The antlers of Coues deer are shed and regrown annually, with the new set typically growing larger each year.
Shop Deer Antler Taxidermy Online
Looking for different types of deer antlers, horns, or taxidermy mounts to add to your collection? Whether you’re looking for North American or Asiatic-native species, you’ll be sure to find just about any type of deer species you’re looking for here at our taxidermy store.
Questions about deer antler taxidermy? Please contact us here at 888-983-3886. Here are some pointers for how to properly field dress a deer. Need deer mount ideas? Check out our article here!
Or, if you’re looking for ready-made taxidermy, shop all our deer taxidermy mounts, antlers, skulls, and more online here.
