I helped my dad get his largest mule deer ever in Utah last year. Its a heavy, symmetrical 27" 4 pt with nice eye guards...what a day that was! He just got the mount back. I like it but the ears pinned back doesn't do anything for me. My dad couldn't be any happier. He's 76.
Congrats to your dad on a great buck and mount. As for the ears, I think it looks more natural and relaxed with the way they are on the mount. Looks really good!
Don't get me wrong, the mount looks great and I love looking at it. I'm just partial to the "oh no" look with the ears open searching forward.
I do live in Utah, Southern Utah to be exact, I've never been a subscriber to or posted anything on Monster Muleys. I will admit that I'm a subscriber to other publications...all in the name of research and entertainment.