I just received my first whitetail mount back from the taxidermist. I am hoping to mount it above the mantle of my brick fireplace. I have read a lot of people suggest not doing it because it will damage the mount, but.... It would look great there, the taxidermist said it would be fine if I don't have a blower (I don't), and I'll probably just take it down anyway the few times a year It's cold enough to have a fire in Houston.

I have never attached anything to brick, but I am thinking of putting a ~2" tapcon screw into the mortar joint. I am a little worried the head of the screw will be too large for the hanger on the mount.

Advice or suggestions?

I've got 2 mounts directly over my fireplace. They've been there 20+ years with no issues. If your fireplace drafts correctly, it should not be a problem.

Check the fastener before you put it in the wall to make sure the head is not too big (I know- that's what she said).

Much prefer these to tapcons for anchoring into masonry:

Interesting, but the head on that looks way to big for the receiver? on the shoulder mount.

The back of the mount should be wooden. If it has a metal plate, you could easily swap it for another sized plate. If not, just drill out the hole to the size you need. I have multiple mounts with nothing but a hold drilled into the wooden back. Works just fine.

Drill a 3/8 hole in a mortar joint. Sharpen a 1/2 inch dowel or whittle a similar sized piece out of a board. Drive the dowel into the hole. When it won't go in any further break it off. Drive a #8 wood screw into the end of the dowel. Hang your shoulder mount. When your wife makes you move it, drill the dowel back out to 3/8s only about 1/2 in deep. Make a putty out of fireplace ashes and water to plug the hole. You're welcome.

I think that's what I'll do, thank you for the suggestion.

swampstander said:

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Drill a 3/8 hole in a mortar joint. Sharpen a 1/2 inch dowel or whittle a similar sized piece out of a board. Drive the dowel into the hole. When it won't go in any further break it off. Drive a #8 wood screw into the end of the dowel. Hang your shoulder mount. When your wife makes you move it, drill the dowel back out to 3/8s only about 1/2 in deep. Make a putty out of fireplace ashes and water to plug the hole. You're welcome.

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MacGyver