Bear rugs have been a staple of uber-masculine decor likely since cavemen buddies stood around and argued over how to attach them for their own rough stone walls. Men have definitely evolved since then, but that primal impulse to display their trophies will be hard-wired in. And that is OK. Hanging a bear rug is not in any way difficult, especially when compared with the effort involved in removing it from the bear.
Tape enough sheets of paper together with small strips of painter’s tape to cover the bear rug.
Set the paper on the ground and carefully place the bear onto it. Attempt to manage the rug as gently as possible to avoid damaging its fur.
Trace around the bear with a marker. Making a pattern can allow you to discover where to hang the bear without attempting to hold it up against the wall.
Slide the paper carefully out from beneath the bear. Do it the way nurses change sheets around a patient — lift or roll one side of this rug up and scrunch the paper under it as far as you can toward the opposite side. Lift the other side of this bear rug and slip the paper from beneath it.
Hold the paper pattern up against the wall until you are certain of just where you want the rug to hang. Attaching it to at least two studs will keep it hanging securely, especially if you live in a place which experiences earthquakes. Lightly mark in which the paws and mind will go.
Lay the bear rug on its back. Most taxidermists attach felt pads to make it easier for you to hang your bear. Utilize a curved upholstery needle to attach D-rings to the bear mask, ensuring to poke the curved needle during the felt and to the backing to ensure a safe grip. Put one D-ring on each paw and another on the underside of its muzzle, and one in its middle, for a minimum of six. If it’s a really heavy watch, attach a couple more D-rings in your discretion.
Place the paper pattern in addition to the bear rug and mark in which the D-rings are. Hold up the pattern to this walland lining it up with the marks you created previously. Mark in which the D-rings are.
Attach small hooks to the wall in the places you marked. Use wood screws to attach the hooks to the fireplace. Drill holes to get the drywall anchors and tap them gently into place with a mallet. Expand the hooks to the drywall anchors.
Mount your bear on the wall by scaling the D-rings over the hooks.