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Custom Bird Mount Plaques: Handcrafted Wood Designs for Your Trophy

hardwood turkey fan and beard plaque

As a bird hunter or wildlife enthusiast, you know the passion it takes to pursue the age-old traditions deeply rooted in skill and an appreciation of wildlife. Wanting to preserve your newly made memories from your most recent bird hunt, taxidermy is a stylish way to showcase your prized bird trophies. A beautifully designed bird mount plaque will elevate those memories, giving your trophy bird a professionally designed display to mount forever. A custom bird mount plaque from Whitetail Woodcrafters is the perfect way to blend functionality and precision artistry, giving you the ability to showcase your successful hunt for all to see. These taxidermy plaques are handcrafted and specifically designed to display your bird in an aesthetic and durable setting. Whitetail Woodcrafters is a family-owned business that has dedicated themselves to creating the highest quality handcrafted bird mounts for all settings. The exceptional craftsmanship ensures that each piece is not just one of taxidermy, but a lifelong display of your passion for hunting and the outdoors.

The Art of Bird Mount Plaques

For wildlife enthusiasts, hunters, and bird taxidermists, a trophy bird is almost as important as the hunting experience itself. Presenting that bird after the hunt is equally important to the preservation of the memories made. Custom bird mount plaques can transform a mounted bird from merely a wall display into a beautiful art piece that tells an entire story, highlighting the memories made and the individual beauty of the bird, while also creating a lifelong tribute to the success of the hunt. These handcrafted taxidermy mounts are artfully designed wood bases that create a frame behind the bird to give it a structurally sound display mount. Combining durability, artistry, and craftsmanship, your bird will be displayed with respect and beauty. Whitetail Woodcrafters uses superior materials to create the highest quality custom bird mount plaques available on the market today. Their designs we’ll center around accommodating the size of the bird and its posture, whether a full body mount or an open fan display for birds such as turkeys. This attention to detail and customization can turn any pheasant, duck, goose, or any other hunted bird into a family heirloom.

The craftsmanship of the wood plays a major role in the process of mounting your taxidermy bird. The highly skilled artisans at Whitetail Woodcrafters are able to shape the wood to conform to your trophy bird, creating a secure attachment that will keep the bird in place without causing any damage to it. These plaques will often come with reinforced hardware to mount the bird’s wings, feet, or a display of tail feathers. Each one of these plaques will be unique as the natural variations in wood give each plaque an individual identity.

The artistry involved in melding the bird to the custom mount plaque requires an extreme attention to detail in the edging and shaping of the wood. Mount designs can vary from one bird species to another. For example, a mount for a duck could incorporate a water bird themed motif, while one for a trophy pheasant might have more elongated shapes to better highlight the tail. These intricate elements will ensure your plaque enhances your trophy bird but does not overshadow the beauty of the bird itself. For bird hunters and outdoorsmen, this means your trophy bird can become a centerpiece above your fireplace mantle or anywhere else in your house, preserving the memories of your successful trip. These personalized bird mounts from Whitetail Woodcrafters will also incorporate the necessary hardware for a secure wall mounted installation.

 

Why Custom Wood Makes a Difference

When it comes to creating a taxidermy display, nothing could be starker than the difference between a generic mount and the custom wooden bird plaque that Whitetail Woodcrafters can create. A generic plaque is oftentimes a mass-produced item that lacks any individuality or serious craftsmanship and are manufactured to be a one size fits all type of display mount. With a generic mount you do not have the option of customizing or personalizing your bird mount. A custom bird mount plaque is thoughtfully designed with skilled craftsmanship and a serious attention to detail. The wood itself is carefully selected and then shaped and finished to bring out the natural beauty of the wood while also complementing the bird on the mount itself. Any serious hunter or wildlife enthusiast knows to choose a custom bird mount because these mounts reflect the overall experience of a successful trophy hunt. Whitetail Woodcrafters our experts in emphasizing every single quality of the wood, the bird, and the entire mount. These wood plaques can be handcrafted specifically for wild turkeys, grouse, ducks, or any other bird in season.

Another major advantage to using custom wood is the superior material quality. To make your custom plaques, Whitetail Woodcrafters uses premium hardwoods that are better suited to withstand environmental changes like temperature and humidity better than a mass-produced generic wood mount that is more prone to warping or discoloration. A higher level of durability means that your bird taxidermy will remain in a pristine condition for decades. Whitetail Woodcrafters are masters at this, creating handcrafted custom wood plaques that are built to last a lifetime. The personalization aspect also sets Whitetail Woodcrafters apart from any generic mount. The customization allows you to include specific elements like different species of birds, different shapes, or in integrated accessory storage like a beard hanger for wild turkeys. As an example, the Grouse Plaque Standard Camo features plenty of options to pick different camouflage patterns for your mount, giving your custom mount an authentic aesthetic that you can’t find with a generic wood mount.

These custom woods give your bird mount plaques an overall enhanced aesthetical value. Carefully selected wood that highlights the natural grain and color compliment the wild nature of each individual bird. This creates a blended display that a mass-produced generic wood mount can’t compare to. The beauty of the custom wood mount gives it an emotional value, being a custom family heirloom to be passed down for generations while a generic wood mount will not stand the test of time. For any professional taxidermist, these custom bird mount plaques create visually stunning displays that are unmatched on the market today.

 

Choosing the Right Wood and Finish

One of the most important decisions when ordering a custom bird mount plaque is the selection of the wood itself. Your wood choice determines the overall durability and longevity of the plaque, but also the overall appearance and the wood’s ability to highlight the mounted bird in a complimentary manner. Each different type of hardwood gives the display distinctly different grain patterns, coloring, and a visual texture that brings an individual character to each piece. Some common types of wood to use for these custom bird mount plaques include maple, cherry, oak, and walnut, just to name a few. Oak is well known for its striking grain pattern and its strength, making it a classic choice that gives a rustic and traditional look to the mount. Its overall durability is an ideal choice for bigger mounts for larger birds like geese or turkey. Cherry offers more reddish hues in a smoother looking finish that makes it a very popular choice for a sophisticated looking bird mount plaque. Maple is lighter in color with a much smoother grain than a wood like oak. It gives a modern, clean look and allows any additional engraved details to visibly stand out. Walnut has a much deeper brown tone and finer grain, giving a much more refined appearance. It can pair well with specific birds like waterfowl, giving it a very high-end looking finish.

Just as important as the wood selection itself is the type of finish being applied to the display. This finish will protect the wood from environmental elements, dust, moisture, and any wear and tear that may occur. Whitetail Woodcrafters offer several different finishes to include matte finish, glossy, or a natural stain. A matte finish will reduce any glare on the plaque, making it suited for display in a well-lit area. A glossy finish like polyurethane creates a barrier of protection that is an ideal choice for more humid environments. Natural stains alter the color of the wood without covering the beautiful and natural look of the wood grain.

 

Personalization and Engraving Options

 

Now that you have your trophy bird, you’ve chosen the wood type for your bird mount plaque and have chosen the proper finish for the wood itself, it’s time to add a bit of personalization and engraving to your custom order. With a bit of personalization, your plaque will become more than just a piece of wood but a platform to tell the story of your trophy hunt. Now was the time to add the little details to commemorate your hunt and make it an heirloom quality show piece. Whitetail Woodcrafters can add precision engraving techniques that add a long-lasting detail to the mount that won’t fade or wear down with time. These engraved bird mount plaques can include the hunter’s name or their initials, the date and/or location of the hunt, or even add a special message or logo to create a truly unique piece. These engraving options give a personal touch that a generic wood mount just can’t match. Laser engraving offers precision and permanent personalization without damaging the wood or interfering with the natural wood grain. These options take a standard bird mount plaque and turn it into a showpiece that any hunter or wildlife enthusiast would be proud of. The process to add these personalization options is simple; Whitetail Woodcrafters requires you to submit your text or image preferences and then review a proof to ensure every detail is to your exact liking before the engravings are completed.

 

Display Styles: Wall vs. Tabletop

 

A custom bird mount plaque from Whitetail Woodcrafters can come in a variety of different styles, giving you the option to choose how you want to display your trophy in the specific area of your home, office, or cabin. Wall-mounted or tabletop displays are offered, each with its own set of particular advantages. The choice between a wall-mounted and tabletop display depends entirely on your space options and the level of visibility you want. Wall-mounted plaques give the option of displaying in a place of prominence in your home. These wall-mounts come with very sturdy hangers that ensure a solid and secure mounting installation. Tabletop mounts give you the flexibility of choice as to where you want your trophy bird displayed. They can be placed on a shelf or an office desk and can be moved around if the need arises. A tabletop mount will provide a stable base that is better suited for smaller birds like a grouse or duck.

 

How Whitetail Woodcrafters Builds Bird Mount Plaques

 

Whitetail Woodcrafters uses a process that combines traditional woodworking and modern techniques to ensure that every custom bird mount plaque is of the highest quality. The process begins with wood selection, using premium hardwoods known for their durability, appearance, and strength. The design and shaping of the wood mean that each individual plaque is shaped and cut according to the bird species requirements and the preferences of the individual customer. Once the cut and shape are complete, the finishing and sanding of the final product begins. Each bird mount is carefully sanded and smoothed and then the chosen finish or stain is applied to each mount. Once the finish has dried the final assembly can begin. The mounting hardware or tabletop stands are installed, and a rigorous inspection for quality control is conducted before being sent to the customer. This meticulous approach ensures that your plaque will be crafted to your exact specifications.

 

Caring for Your Bird Mount Plaque

A Whitetail Woodcrafters custom bird mount plaque does require some level of care after you receive it. While these custom plaques are purposefully designed to last a lifetime, some maintenance must be performed in order to keep it in its pristine condition. It is advised that you dust the plaque regularly with a dry cloth and avoid using any harsh cleaning chemicals that may damage your chosen finish. To prevent any fading, it is advised to keep these plaques mounted away from direct sunlight. It is also recommended that the mounts are not left in high humidity areas or places in the home with extreme temperature changes which can cause warping over time. If necessary, you can apply a wood safe polish to maintain your plaques shine.

 

Final Thoughts: Showcase Your Trophy with Pride

Every hunting trip has the potential to create lasting memorable moments for you or your children. Preserving those memories is a time-honored tradition. A custom bird mount plaque from Whitetail Woodcrafters gives you the perfect way to honor those memories and showcase your trophies with a level of craftsmanship and personalization not found anywhere else. From wood selection two engraving options these bird mounts will elevate those memories into a treasured family heirloom. Visit Whitetail Woodcrafters today to see the full range of products available and learn how their craft can help preserve your bird for a lifetime.

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