Transform your man cave with quality taxidermy mounts under $800. Options include whitetail deer ($525-$795), European skulls ($150-$400), bear rugs ($600-$795), exotic birds ($195-$450), and small mammals ($200-$650). Shop our man cave taxidermy collection for ready-to-ship pieces.
Your man cave needs personality. Whether it’s a basement bar, garage workshop, or spare bedroom turned personal retreat, the right taxidermy turns blank walls into conversation starters.
Here are the top 10 mounts under $800 that deliver maximum impact without draining your wallet.
1. Whitetail Deer Shoulder Mount ($525-$795)
The classic choice for good reason. Whitetail shoulder mounts work in any man cave style from rustic cabin to modern industrial.
Why they work:
- Instantly recognizable hunting trophy
- Fits standard 8-foot ceilings
- Available in multiple poses (upright, semi-sneak, full sneak)
- 6-8 point racks fit this budget perfectly
Best placement: Above the bar, over the couch, flanking a TV, or as an entryway statement piece.
A basic 6-point mount runs $525-$625, while nice 8-pointers top out around $750-$795. You’re getting professional quality at prices that beat custom taxidermy.
Browse our selection of whitetail deer mounts in various poses and antler sizes.
2. European Skull Mounts ($150-$400)
For modern or industrial man caves, European mounts deliver clean aesthetics at budget prices.
Budget breakdown:
- Basic whitetail European mount: $150-$225
- Premium whitening/larger racks: $250-$325
- Elk or exotic skulls: $325-$400
European mounts take up minimal wall space, making them perfect for smaller rooms or when you want to display multiple trophies. Mount several in a grid pattern for dramatic effect.
Pro tip: Mix European mounts with full shoulder mounts for visual variety. All European, all shoulder, or a combination each creates different vibes.
Check our European skull collection for immediate availability.
3. Bear Rugs ($600-$795)
Nothing says “man cave” like a bearskin rug. They work as wall hangings or floor pieces.
Size options in this budget:
- Small black bears (5-6 feet): $600-$700
- Medium bears (6-7 feet): $700-$795
Wall-mounted rugs create incredible focal points behind bars or above fireplaces. Floor rugs work in front of leather couches or under pool tables.
Bear rugs show off the animal’s full size and beautiful coat without requiring floor space like full body mounts.
View bear rugs ready to ship.
4. Exotic Birds ($195-$450)
Add color and uniqueness with exotic bird mounts. These conversation starters cost less than game mammals but deliver huge visual impact.
Popular choices:
- Pheasants and grouse: $195-$295
- Hawks and owls: $250-$395
- Turkeys: $350-$450
Birds work great on shelves, corner displays, or wall mounts. Their vibrant plumage and varied poses add dimension that all-mammal collections lack.
Design tip: Place birds at different heights to create vertical interest. A high corner bird, mid-level deer mount, and low European skull creates balanced visual flow.
5. Coyote or Fox Mounts ($350-$650)
Predator mounts bring edge to man cave decor. Coyotes and foxes are affordable alternatives to wolves and bobcats.
Mount options:
- Full body floor mounts: $550-$650
- Wall mounts (half-body): $450-$550
- Shoulder mounts: $350-$450
Their alert expressions and realistic poses make great displays. Position near the door as “guards” or create hunting scenes with multiple animals.
Fox mounts, especially red fox with their vibrant coats, pop against dark walls or wood paneling.
6. Fish Mounts ($275-$595)
For anglers, fish replicas preserve trophy catches without the deterioration of skin mounts.
Popular species in budget:
- Bass and walleye: $275-$395
- Pike and musky: $395-$495
- Trout and salmon: $325-$450
- Tarpon: $495-$595
Modern fish reproductions are fiberglass, so they’ll never crack, fade, or smell like old skin mounts. They look incredible above bars or mounted in groups showing different catches.
Color retention: Unlike deer hides that can fade, quality fish replicas maintain vibrant colors for decades.
7. Antelope or Small Game ($400-$700)
Antelope shoulder mounts offer unique horn shapes different from typical deer antlers.
Budget options:
- Pronghorn antelope: $400-$600
- Javelina (peccary): $450-$650
- Small African game: $500-$700
Their distinctive looks stand out in collections dominated by whitetail. The short, upright horns with characteristic hooks create visual interest.
Small game mounts work perfectly in tighter spaces or as secondary pieces filling gaps in your layout.
8. Squirrel or Small Mammal Mounts ($200-$395)
Don’t overlook small mammals. Mounted squirrels, rabbits, or other small game add personality at minimal cost.
Creative options:
- Novelty posed squirrels: $200-$295
- Rabbits and hares: $225-$325
- Prairie dogs: $250-$350
- Bobcats (shoulder mount): $650-$795
Small mammals work on shelves, mantels, or in display cases. They’re perfect filler pieces that don’t dominate walls but add character.
Humor factor: Novelty mounts (squirrels holding beer bottles, poker playing poses) divide opinion but definitely start conversations.
9. Antler Mounts and Sheds ($125-$400)
Just antlers, no skull or hide. Simple, affordable, and they showcase impressive racks.
Display styles:
- Single antler on plaque: $125-$200
- Matched sets: $200-$325
- Large elk or moose sheds: $325-$400
Antler mounts fit well in rustic or cabin-themed man caves. They’re also great space fillers between larger mounts or along stairway walls.
Shed antlers (naturally dropped, not harvested) appeal to non-hunters who still appreciate rustic decor.
10. Horn and Skull Combinations ($150-$600)
Unique pieces like horned skulls create distinctive displays.
Options under $800:
- Buffalo skulls: $400-$600
- Longhorn cattle: $350-$550
- Ram and goat skulls: $250-$450
- Exotic horned animals: $300-$595
These work great as table centerpieces, shelf displays, or wall mounts. The dramatic horn shapes draw eyes immediately.
Western theme: Longhorn and buffalo skulls nail the western/southwestern man cave aesthetic.
Browse our exotic skull collection for unique options.
Designing Your Man Cave Layout
Random placement looks messy. Strategic arrangement creates impact.
The Focal Point Method
Choose one major piece (largest deer mount, bear rug, or trophy fish) as your focal point. Build everything else around it.
Focal point locations:
- Behind the bar
- Above the fireplace
- Opposite the entry door
- Center of the longest wall
Place your best mount here, then add smaller pieces around it in decreasing size order.
The Gallery Wall Approach
Multiple smaller mounts arranged intentionally beats one large piece in some spaces.
Gallery wall rules:
- Mix sizes and species for visual interest
- Maintain consistent spacing (6-10 inches between mounts)
- Use odd numbers (3, 5, 7 mounts look better than even numbers)
- Keep the collection cohesive (all game animals, all predators, all skulls, etc.)
European mounts work perfectly for gallery walls due to their uniform depth and clean look.
Height Considerations
Standard eye level is 57-60 inches from floor to the mount’s center. But man caves aren’t art galleries.
Better approach:
- Bar/seating areas: Mount at seated eye level (45-50 inches)
- Standing spaces: Standard 57-60 inches works
- Above furniture: Leave 6-12 inches clearance above the furniture top
- Statement pieces: Go higher for drama, but keep the face visible
Measure before mounting. Nothing’s worse than realizing your elk is too tall for the space after you’ve punched holes in the wall.
Lighting Your Mounts
Proper lighting makes mediocre mounts look great and great mounts look museum-quality.
Lighting options:
- Track lighting: Adjustable spots highlight specific pieces
- Uplighting: Floor or shelf lights cast dramatic shadows
- LED strips: Backlight European mounts or shelves
- Picture lights: Small mounted lights above individual pieces
Avoid direct sunlight, which fades hides over time. Also skip harsh overhead fluorescents that wash out detail.
Mixing Taxidermy with Other Decor
Taxidermy works best combined with complementary elements:
Rustic man cave additions:
- Reclaimed wood walls or barn wood accents
- Leather furniture
- Antler chandeliers or lamps
- Vintage hunting signs and advertisements
- Gun racks or display cases
Modern man cave pairings:
- Industrial metal shelving
- Dark accent walls (charcoal, navy, black)
- Minimalist furniture
- European mounts on floating shelves
- Metal bracket mounts (no plaques)
Sports bar theme:
- Neon signs
- Vintage beer mirrors
- Pool table or dartboard
- Bar with stools
- Mix sports memorabilia with taxidermy
The key is balance. Too much taxidermy creates museum vibes. Mix in 2-3 other decor themes for lived-in comfort.
Budget-Stretching Strategies
Getting multiple mounts under $800 requires smart shopping:
Buy pre-made instead of custom. Custom shoulder mounts run $700-$1,200. Pre-made quality mounts cost $525-$795. That $300 difference buys additional pieces.
Mix mount types. Three European mounts ($150 each = $450) plus one shoulder mount ($625) gives you four pieces for $1,075. Better than one $1,000 mount.
Prioritize variety. Two different species (deer + predator) looks better than two similar deer mounts. Spend your budget on variety rather than multiples.
Consider smaller species. A fox, bird, and European mount ($350 + $250 + $200 = $800) creates more visual interest than one shoulder mount.
Watch for complete sets. Some sellers offer matched pairs or themed collections at package discounts.
Common Man Cave Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others’ errors:
Overcrowding walls. Leave breathing room. Mounts crammed together look cluttered, not impressive.
Ignoring scale. A tiny 4-point deer on a massive 12-foot wall gets lost. Match mount size to wall size.
All one species. Five whitetail deer becomes repetitive. Mix in fish, birds, or predators.
Poor mounting height. Too high and you stare at necks. Too low feels awkward. Find the right level.
Skipping maintenance. Dusty, faded mounts ruin the aesthetic. Quick dusting every few months keeps things fresh.
Choosing price over quality. A $200 amateur mount looks terrible. Spend $525+ for work that lasts.
Installation Tips
Most mounts come with hanging hardware, but proper installation matters:
Find studs. Shoulder mounts weigh 15-35 pounds. Drywall anchors aren’t strong enough. Use stud finders and mount into solid wood.
Use appropriate hardware. The mount’s weight dictates screw size and type. Most need 3-4 inch lag bolts or lag screws.
Level carefully. Crooked mounts are immediately obvious. Use a level and mark carefully before drilling.
Consider professional installation. For expensive or large mounts, spending $50-$100 for professional hanging prevents damage.
Plan for rearrangement. You might move mounts later. Spackle and paint over old holes before rehanging.
Maintenance and Care
Keep your investment looking good:
Dust regularly. Soft brushes or compressed air removes surface dust without damaging hair.
Control humidity. Basements can be damp. Use dehumidifiers to prevent mold and hide deterioration.
Avoid direct sunlight. UV rays fade hair color. Position away from windows or use UV-filtering window film.
Check for pests. Carpet beetles and moths occasionally damage hides. Annual inspections prevent major damage.
Handle carefully. When cleaning around mounts, be gentle with antlers and fragile features.
Ready to Build Your Man Cave?
Whether you’re starting from scratch or adding to an existing collection, taxidermy under $800 delivers serious impact. From classic whitetail mounts to unique exotic pieces, our inventory offers options for every style and budget.
Every mount ships ready to hang with necessary hardware and documentation. No hidden fees, no surprises.
Browse All Man Cave Taxidermy →
Questions about sizing, species, or creating the perfect layout for your space? Contact our team for personalized recommendations.
Free shipping on qualifying orders. All mounts include mounting hardware and arrive ready to display.