The first roe deer skulls I had done by a taxidermist were done the way you describe, cut through the eye. I grew up with those, but I don't like them much. All subsequent skulls I had done or did myself were cut below the eye socket, basically just removing the teeth, and the protruding parts at the bottom of the skull. I like it that way.

Frans

I've done them both ways but prefer mounts without the gap. Mounts such as you describe look sharp when affixed to a dark backboard, but I tend to just hand my mounts directly on the wall where a gap doesn't always look that good.

I've heard of two different versions, 'long nose' and 'short nose'. I like the 'long' for large antlered game like moose and elk. Plains game can get by with 'short'.IMHO

I guess I can't picture the difference. Anyone have pics of both?

There was a trend here in the states years back were sun dried cow & bison skulls were popular as home decore. I believe that thought has transfered to hunters somewhat. I have a wildebest that I mounted minus the lower jaw. I think it gives more balance to the piece. It was my 1st African kill. Just an ave animals as scores go but a VERY memorable animal for me.

I aso have a Black Hawaiian Ram(That's basically an American Game hybred) He had very long horns, but as it was a game ranch Itr lacked the "Adventure" that makes most of my hunts enjoyable. He was however my 1sy Handgun Kill. I'm having a Iron Pedistal made and he will be on a 1/2 iron rod 10" above an iron base.

I think If I had a Eland I'd go with the Tradional eruo mount to reduce that massive skull.

When I get the Ram done I'll post it.