Antler mounting: leaving hide on skull plate?

[RoscoeT]

I shot a small buck this year and sawed the skull plate off him. I left the hide on it and just sawed around it.

His rack is not really worth the effort of doing a plaque mount.

I'd like to just attach the plate to the wall in the shed like I've seen done. Usually they clean all the hide off but this looks nice with the hide on.

Can I leave it that way or will the hide rot and turn ugly?

Anyone have any advice on how I could keep this hide on the skull plate and not have an ugly mess?

 

[lister]

The hide will dry out and be fine. There's not enough flesh there to cause a problem.

 

[Sask_Hunter]

the hide might dry out and the hair will stay on. its not to hard to peel off the hide, but if its out side id say your gtg.

 

[Mount Sweetness]

Get the hide off now while it is much easier to deal with, trust me.

 

[daveg01]

We have several like this at the camp. They have been there for years without issue.

 

[double gun]

If you like the look of it on - leave it. As Lister said, it will dry out and be fine. But if you ever want to get it off, its way easier to remove when fresh.

 

[44fordy]

We have several like this at the camp. They have been there for years without issue.

^ Same here, except on my garage.

 

[RoscoeT]

Thanks for the suggestions. This is currently outside but may move to the basement. Still no issues I guess.
Should I let it dry before moving it inside?

 

[double gun]

Thanks for the suggestions. This is currently outside but may move to the basement. Still no issues I guess.
Should I let it dry before moving it inside?

It wont dry if left outside, it will just freeze. I would move it somewhere warm - like a heated garage for awhile.

 

[Jordan Smith]

It'll stink for a while until it dries out. I've got a few like that in my basement.