I have a deer cake coming up next month, and though I've been researching it like crazy, I can't figure out how best to make the support structure to attach the antlers/ears. Help, please?

My best suggestion is to check out Janette Pohlman's website www.pohlmanscakes.com .. I use her deer head kit and every deer transports perfectly to the destination.
Great video instructions with the kit...
check out my photos and see two of the deer I have made using her kits...
it cost a bit, but add it onto the cost of the cake or charge a deposit and have the customer return the head piece and reuse it later...
hope this helps ..
Michelle