Originally Posted by
Topgun 3006
Have it mounted by a reputable taxidermist out there and tell them you want the antlers drilled out so they are detachable. They will drill the mannequin head out and put steel rods in that the antlers will drop onto. That way they don't take up much room when they are shipped and you can put the mount anywhere in your home and not have to worry about getting it through doorways, etc. It's the only way to go when mounting an elk nowadays, especially if you have it done out there and ship it to the coast. Now that we have that all figured out all you have to do is go out there and shoot a good one!
Pretty good advice but be aware if the animal qualifies for the Boone and Crockett book, doing this will make in ineligible. Now, the odds of a first time elk hunter getting a record book elk are what you might call extremely slim, it has happened.
I've transported a good number of elk from my native CO to the east coast when I was stationed there. I boned it out, cut and ground it and packed it in coolers with dry ice. Never had a problem and I always drove but then I rarely keep antlers anymore. I'm to the point I don't care if I ever set foot in another airport. I'd rather spend the extra time and see the country. Flying has become a hassle with all the TSA regs.