Always great to re purpose old lumbar. I have been using old Oak timbers that are very weathered to mount deer and a coyote. I do suggest anyone doing this take care to insure the boards are not infested. I spray them down with bug spray and store in a freezer for at least a year. I then coat with a couple layers of polyurethane to seal. This is especially important if whats being mounted has hair on it not to mention to safe guard any other mounted critters in the room.