Bear Rugs – Professionally Tanned & Finished, Expert Craftsmanship
A bear rug is one of the most classic and timeless ways to display your bear harvest. Whether draped over furniture, mounted on a wall, or laid out as a floor display, a professionally tanned and finished bear rug is a striking conversation piece that preserves your trophy for generations.
At Stehling’s Taxidermy, we specialize in custom black bear rugs that are professionally tanned, hand-finished, and built to last. With over 45 years of experience and thousands of bears completed, our second-generation taxidermists Aaron and Austin Stehling deliver museum-quality results on every rug. Explore all of our bear taxidermy options including half mounts, full life-size mounts, and skull mounts.
Bear Rug Gallery
Photos of our completed bear rug projects — open-mouth, closed-mouth, wall-mounted, and flat rugs.
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Bear Rug Options
We offer several bear rug styles to match your display preferences:
- Open-Mouth Rug: The classic bear rug look — head mounted with an open-mouth expression showing teeth. A dramatic, traditional display.
- Closed-Mouth Rug: A more subtle, natural look with the mouth closed. Clean and understated.
- Flat Rug (No Head Mount): A tanned and finished flat rug without a mounted head — ideal for wall hanging or floor use.
- Wall-Mounted Rug: Professionally backed and finished for wall display, with a mounted head.
- Custom Options: We can accommodate special requests for lining, backing, and display style.
Tanning & Finishing
Every bear rug at Stehling’s Taxidermy is professionally tanned using high-quality methods that ensure a soft, durable, and long-lasting hide. Our finishing process includes:
- Professional Tanning: Hides are tanned to be soft, supple, and resistant to cracking or drying out.
- Head Mounting: For open-mouth and closed-mouth rugs, the head is mounted on a custom form with hand-painted detail, glass eyes, and a finished nose and mouth.
- Felt or Fabric Backing: Rugs are backed with high-quality material for a clean, finished look and added durability.
- Paw Finishing: Paws are padded and finished for a natural, lifelike appearance.
Tanning & Finishing Process Photos
Step-by-step photos showing our professional bear rug tanning and finishing process.
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Bear Rug Pricing
Bear rugs at Stehling’s Taxidermy are priced at $350 per foot (measured nose to tail), depending on the style and options selected. Open-mouth and closed-mouth head mounts are included in the per-foot price.
For a full breakdown of all bear mount options — including half mounts ($2,500+), full life-size mounts ($5,000+), and skull mounts ($275) — visit our pricing page or our main bear taxidermy page.
We also offer flexible financing and payment plans so you can get your bear rug completed without delay.
Field Care Tips – Protect Your Trophy
Proper field care is critical for a quality bear rug. Bears have thick hides that hold heat, so you need to act fast:
- Skin your bear as soon as possible — heat causes hair slippage quickly.
- Keep the hide cool, out of direct sunlight, and avoid letting it sit in water.
- For a rug, the entire hide including paws and head must be preserved — leave plenty of extra hide.
- Salt the hide generously if you cannot get it to a taxidermist or freezer right away.
- When in doubt, call us before your hunt and we’ll walk you through the skinning process for a rug.
Read our complete field care and pre-hunt planning guide, or check out our bear hunting tips article for more advice on getting from the field to the finished rug.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bear Rugs
How much does a bear rug cost?
Bear rugs at Stehling’s Taxidermy are priced at $350 per foot, measured nose to tail. This includes professional tanning, finishing, and head mounting for open-mouth or closed-mouth styles. The total cost depends on the length of your bear and the options you select. Contact us for a personalized quote.
How long does it take to complete a bear rug?
Turnaround time for bear rugs typically ranges from 6 to 12 months, depending on the season and our current workload. Rush orders may be available — contact us to discuss your timeline.
What’s the difference between an open-mouth and closed-mouth bear rug?
An open-mouth bear rug features the head mounted with the mouth open, showing teeth — the classic, dramatic look. A closed-mouth rug has a more subtle, natural expression with the mouth closed. Both options include a professionally sculpted head mount with glass eyes and detailed finishing.
Can I get a bear rug without a head mount?
Yes. We offer flat bear rugs without a mounted head, which are ideal for wall hanging or floor display. The hide is still professionally tanned, backed, and finished with paw detailing for a clean, quality result.
How should I care for my bear rug after I receive it?
Keep your bear rug out of direct sunlight and away from high heat sources to prevent fading and drying. Brush the fur periodically with a soft brush to keep it looking full and natural. Avoid placing it in high-moisture areas, and contact a professional taxidermist if any repairs are needed over time.
Do you offer financing for bear rugs?
Yes. We offer flexible financing and payment plans for all of our bear taxidermy services, including rugs. Contact us to discuss payment options that work for your budget.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’ve already harvested your bear or you’re planning ahead for next season, we’d love to talk about your rug. Contact us today for a free consultation and quote.
