I have the usual plains game collection in the process of being shipped to the tanner in san fran.
My problem is this, I do not have high ceilings in my trophy room only 8.5ft.
Can anyone help me with suggestions on how to best utilize the space?

some of them could probably be made pedestal mounts on floor bases. they would take up more room but sit lower.

Just a note, you must watch out with items like kudu and gemsbok etc. even on pedestals. They can be a problem with ceilings of this height. Voice of experience. An average pedestal will not clear a ceiling this size with a decent sized animal. You will have to make sure the pedestals are low to the floor and allow for the total height of the animal. I screwed up the first time by not taking this into account. It is a pain to fix after the fact.

You shouldn't have any problem with kudu or gemsbok on a pedestal if you have your taxidermist be a little creative and do a dramatic pose, i.e. with the head tilted far back. This way you can control the height of the horns from the floor.

Here's a linnk to an example from Artworks Taxidermy in Colorado:

http://www.artworkstaxidermy.com/images/photo%20gallery/KuduW.jpg

Good luck!

JDS

I have the same problem with my room. I have my kudu and gemsbok on pedestals, just be sure to give your taxidermist your ceiling height and he should be able to size the pedestals according. If you decide to wall mount them, you will have to put on the lower part of the wall. Then on the higher part of the wall you can put some small stuff.

If you're a head hunter you need a great room with cathedral ceilings like a friend in Pa has .He has full head mounts of caribou,elk,deer,birds,etc.They have full body mounts of Ursus americanus.Another friend in AZ had a 7x6 AZ elk head mounted, the rack just cleared the ceiling by about a 1/4 inch.

I ran into that same problem here about a month ago when my elk came back for the taxidermist. I assumed (dumb thing to do) rather than measured the height of my basement. I was about 6 inches off. My Kudu mount is going to be a pedestal, and possibly my gemsbuck also.

JDS, You are absolutely right, Unfortunatley someone at my house who shall remain nameless wasnt smart enough to think about that ahead of time. I was so busy with all the details on all the other stuff, I just zoned and let that get right by me. Then I had to fix it after the fact, hence the warning.

thanks for all the input guys.what about lighting track or independent.should I use spots or floods?

You will need a combination of both to get the best results. It really depends on the layout of your place and trophies. A very individual thing.

Big Don,

I have some Lazer (Halo) track light heads I would sell you very cheap if you need them. They are brand new in the box. Price negotiable.

http://www.jerrystringer.net/trackheads.jpg

Good luck!

JDS