so this is not directly hunting related but it is a result hunting. I have two whitetail racks that I want to mount using one of those DIY kits. However, everyone I look at has poor reviews. Has anyone used a kit they were pleased with? A link to it would be most appreciated. TIA.

Have you looked at the Skull Hooker Bone Bracket? I have not used the Bone Bracket but IMO antler mounts look good on them. I do have a couple of their skull/European mount versions and really like them.

I've used some of the DIY kits before. Can't quite remember what brand they were, though. If you're careful and take your time, I think you can make almost any kit look good.

Here's a few pictures of mine:

Nice work and nice racks, Chance!

They look good Chance.

I think I have used Mountain Mikes European mounts in the past. It's the one where you screw the skull plate into a plastic molded skull. Then you use a white epoxy to fill gaps. Just make sure you get the one where you use the animals skull plate and don't have to separate the horns.

It turns out good but you do need to be a little artistic to get the epoxy to look good.

Something else I forgot to mention: I got those kits at Wal-Mart for about $15-$20 each.

I bought a couple cheap antler mount kits that were on sale after season years ago. They were definitely low end and I wasn't impressed with them. I modified one and used it with plaster of paris and thin leather for the elk rack in the pic. I'd guess that a more expensive kit would be better quality. Do you have access to a saw? If you do you might consider making your own. There's not much to them. My dad made the plaque on the wall and mounted the rack himself. It probably could use a little more material at the base but it turned out decent.