User-configurable mounting system

A skull mounting assembly, comprising:

• a bracing member having a substantially longitudinal body extending in a first plane;
• an engaging member extending substantially longitudinally in a second plane comprising a curved portion longitudinally curved with respect to the second plane, wherein the curved portion of the engaging member comprises a first bend orienting the engaging member away from the second plane and a second bend orienting the clamping member back toward the second plane;
• and
• one or more adjusting members operable to adjustably secure the bracing member and the engaging member by biasing the bracing member and the engaging member relative to one another, such that the bracing member and the engaging member are further operable to cooperate via the one or more adjusting members to securely engage and retain a skull of an animal therebetween by engaging the curved portion of the engaging member with at least a portion of the skull;
• a base operable to securely attach to a mounting surface;
• and
• a connecting assembly removably coupling the holder assembly to the base assembly, the connecting assembly comprising a pivot rod and a sleeve configured to receive and removably retain the pivot rod.