Customers are always looking for something new and exciting to make their mounts stand out from the crowd. Usually this means finding or creating unique poses. I found an easy, reliable alternative that creates the spectacular results my customers are looking for. The alternative is to create a unique, simple habitat base that is "anchored to the mount". The following instructions show the basic steps I use to create this effective solution.

Bend a heavy gauge threaded rod into an "L" shape with the bend about one inch in length.

Drill an anchor hole into the brisket deep enough to leave four to six inches of rod exposed.

Note: The amount of exposed rod depends on what you will use as your base material.

Drill an anchor hole into the brisket deep enough to leave four to six inches of rod exposed.

Note: The amount of exposed rod depends on what you will use as your base material.

Bondo the rod into place. Make the Bondo flush with the surface of the form.

Determine where the rod will poke through the hide in the brisket and cut a hole for it. Mount and finish your deer as you normally would, leaving the rod exposed. For this base, I will be using a piece of driftwood with artificial rocks anchored to it.

Drill a channel for the rod into the driftwood. Drill it deep enough for the rod, but not all the way through the driftwood.

Ream the channel out until it is about twice the width of the rod.

Test fit for position and balance. You will notice that I allowed enough space for my rock to fit between the driftwood and the mount.

Cut several sizes of rough rock shapes that suit your purpose out of a firm foam material.

Cut a groove as needed to fit the foam to the driftwood. Also, note that because the rock will fit between the mount and the driftwood, I drilled a hole in the foam for the rod to fit through.

Mix paper mache and cover your rock pieces (except in the groove where the foam will fit onto the driftwood).

Once the foam is covered and starts to dry, go back and smooth our the rough spots by running a wet hand over the rock surfaces.

Before the rock dries, it will need to be painted. Heavily dilute a small amount of Polytranspar water-based Black and Black Umber paint. Airbrush this mixture at about 30 psi on to the surface.

Hold your brush about three inches from the rock surface and allow the pressure to "blow" the paint into the cracks and crevices of the rock. The smoother portions of the rock will only be lightly stained.

Bondo larger rocks into place; use hot glue or epoxy for smaller rocks attached to the driftwood.

Thread a washer and nuts to the rod base. Fill the rod channel half full with Bondo, then slideonto the rod and hold it in desired position until it sets. Once set, add additional habitat materials.

Cover the entire scene with a clear matte finish.

Note: Be careful not to spray the mount itself.