Frequently Asked Questions

No appointment is needed. You can drop off at either location during normal business hours.
Read more: Our Process.

Please bring any harvest tags / license numbers or harvest information so we can include it in your official paperwork/work order. If you have pose ideas, reference photos are always helpful.
Read more: Step-by-step process.

We’ll guide you through pose and display options in our showrooms. You can also bring pictures or ideas you’ve saved.
Read more: Designing your mount.

We offer full-service taxidermy across many species and display types—waterfowl, upland birds, turkey, bear, whitetail, big game, African/exotic, fish, small game, and more.
See examples: Portfolio.

We’re a second-generation, full-time team with 50+ years of experience, two facilities, and the scale to handle both custom trophies and large habitat projects.
Read more: About / History.

Stehling’s is recognized as Wisconsin’s largest studio and among the largest in the world, with major capacity for both custom trophies and large-scale habitat builds.
Read more: Jefferson facility.

Yes—a deposit is collected at drop-off to secure your spot in the production schedule. The remaining balance is due upon completion. We also offer our Easy 8 Payment Plan for added flexibility. Read more: Easy 8 Payment Plan.

We can hold properly preserved specimens in our freezer facility. If you need to delay the start of your project, let us know at drop-off and we’ll discuss your options.

Our process is designed to be easy and professional: intake and documentation, design/pose selection, preparation, sculpt/refinement, painting/finishing details, base/habitat work (when applicable), and final quality inspection.
Read more: Full process.

We start with intake and documentation—confirming tags/harvest info, reviewing your vision, and building the work order that guides production.
Read more: Intake & work order.

Yes. We’ll help you choose a mount style, pose, and display options based on your specimen, your space, and your goals.
Read more: Designing your mount.

In many cases, yes—our Jefferson location allows you to view work in progress through the showroom, so you can see the craftsmanship that goes into your mount.
Read more: Our process.

We’ll contact you directly when your mount is finished and ready for pickup or shipping. You’re welcome to check in on progress at any time. Contact us.

Yes—just let us know in advance who will be picking it up so we can coordinate. Mounts can also be shipped if pickup isn’t convenient. Read more: Shipping.

See our Pricing page for current delivery times.
Read more: Pricing & timelines.

Yes—rush options may be available depending on the project and capacity (including super rush / rush / expedited options).
Read more: Rush service options.

Pricing depends on species, mount style, base/habitat complexity, and customization.
Read more: Pricing.

Taxidermy is an investment in preserving your hunt’s story. Budgeting ahead helps you avoid surprises and plan for the pose, base, and habitat options you really want.
Read more: Budgeting & pre-hunt planning.

Quality craftsmanship pays off over time. Poor work often leads to costly repairs or replacement, while a well-built, lifelike mount is something you’ll be proud to display for decades.
Read more: Why quality matters.

Yes—most services are eligible for our in-house Easy 8 Payment Plan (no banks, no credit checks).
Read more: Easy 8 Payment Plan.

The first few hours after harvest matter most. Pre-hunt planning helps you avoid field mistakes, understand preservation steps, and keep your trophy in top condition for a great final result.
Read more: Pre-Hunt Planning.

Yes—especially if you’re traveling or planning an international hunt. We can help with field care steps, shipping logistics, and (when applicable) USDA import requirements.
Read more: Pre-Hunt Planning.

Yes. Heat, moisture, and bacteria can damage hides quickly. Keeping your trophy cool and dry (and freezing to your taxidermist’s specifications when needed) protects your investment.
Read more: Field care.

Field dressing and caping should be done carefully to preserve hide and hair quality. If you must cape in the field, contact us ahead of time for preferred instructions—especially around eyes, nose, ears, and lips.
Read more: Caping guidance.

Keep your mount out of direct sunlight, away from heat sources, and in a climate-controlled space with moderate humidity. Dust regularly with a soft brush or compressed air. Avoid touching hides and feathers with bare hands whenever possible, as oils from skin can cause discoloration over time.

Yes. Prolonged UV exposure can fade colors and dry out hides, while excessive humidity encourages mold and insect activity. A well-lit room with indirect lighting and consistent temperature is ideal. If displaying near windows, consider UV-filtering glass or film.

Light dusting with a soft-bristle brush or canned air works well for routine cleaning. For deeper cleaning, consult your taxidermist before using any sprays or chemicals—some products can damage finishes, paints, or feathers. We’re always happy to advise. Contact us.

Contact us as soon as possible. Small issues like minor cracking or loose seams are often easy to repair if caught early. For insect concerns (dermestid beetles, moths), isolate the mount and reach out—we can help diagnose and recommend next steps. Contact Stehling’s.

Yes—we handle repair and restoration projects, including re-mounting, repainting, re-basing, and rebuilding mounts that were originally done elsewhere. The scope of work depends on the condition of the specimen. Contact us with photos for an assessment.

We stand behind the quality of our work. If you have a concern about your mount after pickup, reach out and we’ll make it right. Craftsmanship and customer satisfaction are central to how we operate. Read more: About Stehling’s.

It means we are approved to receive and process restricted avian species imported from other countries and can assist with required paperwork and logistics.
Read more: USDA Approved Import Facility.

Yes. Contact us before your trip so you have the correct USDA facility information and instructions for completing USDA VS Form 16-78 for customs clearance.
Read more: Paperwork requirements.

Yes. Even if you personally carry the birds back into the U.S., our USDA facility information must be listed on the form and the birds must come directly to us for the clearance process.
Read more: Important notes.

No. USDA clearance is available only to clients who are also using our taxidermy services.
Read more: USDA policy.

Yes—we carefully pack and crate mounts for safe delivery.
Read more: Shipping.

Yes—many customers ship specimens to us. The best approach depends on what you’re sending and how it’s preserved.
Read more: Shipping to us ·
Contact us.

Yes—we offer wholesale services including small bird taxidermy, turkey work, and velvet antler freeze drying for taxidermists and sportsmen nationwide.
Read more: Wholesale Taxidermy.

Yes—we work with museums, zoos, nature centers, and educational institutions to build displays designed for long-term public viewing.
Read more: Museums & education work.

Yes—our Museum Taxidermy Resources hub shares best practices and educational guidance for institutions.
Read more: Museum Taxidermy Resources.

Yes—we design and build custom wildlife displays and habitat builds for outdoor retailers, lodges/resorts, hospitality, and corporate spaces.
Read more: Commercial habitat builds.

Send us the basics (space dimensions, concept, timeline, location, and any species/theme requirements). We’ll help scope the project and recommend an approach.
Start here ·
Contact.

Shoulder mounts, pedestal mounts, European (skull) mounts, and lifesize displays are the most common. We’ll help you choose a pose and base that fits your trophy and your space.
Read more: Whitetail Deer Taxidermy.

Yes—European mounts are a clean, classic option. We can help you choose the right finish and presentation style.
Read more: Deer Taxidermy.

We offer full-strut mounts, flying mounts, and other custom poses depending on your bird and display goals.
Read more: Turkey Taxidermy.

Full Strut Turkey Mount Gallery.

Flying Turkey Mount Gallery.

Yes—flying mounts and action poses are some of our most popular waterfowl options. We can also design custom bases and scenes for dramatic, lifelike displays.
Read more: Waterfowl Taxidermy.

Standing Duck Mounts.

Yes—customers ship birds to us and we serve sportsmen well beyond Wisconsin.
Read more: Waterfowl “Near Me” & Shipping.

Yes—duck mounts are a core specialty, from simple standing mounts to highly customized scenes.
Read more: Duck Taxidermy.

Yes—we design custom water sculpture and water scene builds (including wave action, splash effects, and complex multi-piece displays).
Read more: Water Sculpture & Scenes.

Water Scenes Gallery / Articles.

Yes—our team takes on large-scale custom scene builds (including complex water recreation) for private collections and display spaces.
Example: Bering Sea Custom Water Build.

Yes—multi-piece wave displays can create a dramatic “motion” effect across a wall or room.
Example: Wave Water Scene Display.

We offer rugs, lifesize mounts, half mounts, and other custom poses. We’ll help you choose the best style for your space and trophy.
Read more: Bear Taxidermy.

Yes—half mounts are a popular, dramatic wall display option with many pose and base variations.
Read more: Black Bear Half Mounts.

Yes—we provide African and exotic taxidermy services, with detailed craftsmanship focused on lifelike anatomy and presentation.
Read more: African & Exotic Taxidermy.

Yes—proper care, documentation, and shipping prep matter on safari.
Read more: Africa prep & trophy care.

Yes—we create custom alligator mounts including head mounts and full lifesize displays (and can discuss tanning options depending on your project).
Read more: Alligator Taxidermy Mounts.

Alligator Mounts Page ·
Alligator (A–Z Listing)

Yes—upland bird taxidermy is one of our specialties. We mount pheasants, ruffed grouse, sharptail grouse, Hungarian partridge, quail, chukar, woodcock, and more in a variety of poses including flying, standing, and perched displays. See examples: Portfolio.

Flying mounts and perched displays are most popular. We also create multi-bird scenes, habitat bases with natural vegetation, and custom groupings. Bring your ideas—or we’ll help you design something unique.

Yes—we offer both skin-mount fish taxidermy and can advise on replica/reproduction options. The best approach depends on the species, size, and condition of the fish. Contact us to discuss your project.

A skin mount uses the actual skin of the fish stretched over a form. A replica (reproduction) is a fiberglass or resin cast painted to match your fish based on photos and measurements. Replicas are especially popular for catch-and-release fishermen and can be extremely lifelike.

Yes—we work on a variety of small game including fox, coyote, bobcat, raccoon, and more. Mount styles range from lifesize displays to rugs and wall pedestal options. Contact us to discuss your project.

We have two Wisconsin locations for convenient drop-offs and pickups.
Read more: Contact / Hours.

Hours vary by location and season. The most up-to-date schedule is posted here:
Contact / Hours.