Exotic Animal Mounts by Stehlings Taxidermy

Discover the unparalleled craftsmanship and dedication of Stehlings Taxidermy, a family-owned business with five decades of experience in creating stunning African and exotic animal mounts.

50+
Years of Experience
5
Decades of Craft
Custom
Built to Order
African
& Exotic Species

The Art of African Taxidermy

African taxidermy is a specialized field that requires a keen eye for detail and an intimate understanding of the diverse wildlife found on the continent. Stehlings Taxidermy has mastered this art, creating stunning lifelike mounts of African game and exotic animal mounts that capture the essence of each species with remarkable accuracy.

From the majestic lion to the graceful kudu, Stehlings Taxidermy brings each animal to life through meticulous attention to detail and expert craftsmanship. Their work not only preserves the physical characteristics of the animals but also conveys their spirit and vitality, making each piece a true masterpiece.

 

Custom Quality Work: Tailored to Your Specifications

At Stehlings Taxidermy, each piece is crafted to meet the unique preferences and specifications of the client. Whether you have a particular pose in mind or specific requirements for the display, the skilled artisans at Stehlings Taxidermy are dedicated to bringing your vision to life.

The process begins with a detailed consultation to understand your needs and preferences. From there, the team works meticulously to ensure that every aspect of the taxidermy piece meets the highest standards of quality and authenticity. The result is a custom work of art that reflects your personal style and the beauty of the animal.

 

Why Choose Stehlings Taxidermy for Your African Trophies

Choosing Stehlings Taxidermy means entrusting your valuable trophies to a team of experts with decades of experience and a deep passion for wildlife. The family’s commitment to excellence ensures that each piece is crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail.

Stehlings Taxidermy uses only the highest quality materials and the latest techniques to create lifelike representations that stand the test of time. Their dedication to customer satisfaction means that you can expect exceptional service and a finished product that exceeds your expectations.

 

 

The African Trophy Taxidermy Process

Congratulations on your upcoming safari. African trophies are often once-in-a-lifetime memories, and proper handling from the field all the way to the trophy room makes a huge difference in the final result.

Before You Leave: Tell Your PH and Skinning Crew Your Mount Plans

The quality of the finished mount starts the moment the animal is harvested. Let your Professional Hunter (PH) know if you want:

  • Shoulder mounts
  • Pedestal mounts
  • Full body mounts
  • European mounts
  • Rugs

Different mount styles require different caping and skinning methods. Proper field care is critical to prevent damage and hair slip.

After the Hunt: Trophy Preparation in Africa

After your safari, the trophies are typically:

  • Skinned and salted
  • Professionally prepared by a dip-and-pack facility
  • Inspected and documented
  • Crated for export

The dip-and-pack process disinfects and preserves the hides, skulls, and horns so they can legally enter the United States.

Shipping to the United States

Your trophies will generally move through several steps:

In Africa: Outfitter → Dip & Pack Facility → Export Agent → International Shipping

In the United States: Customs Broker → U.S. Fish & Wildlife Inspection → USDA/Customs Clearance → Delivery to Taxidermist

Most hunters use an experienced customs broker because African trophy imports involve specialized paperwork and inspections.

When Your Trophies Arrive: We Can Help Coordinate the Process

At Stehling’s Taxidermy, we can help guide you through:

  • Shipping questions
  • Trophy receiving
  • Mount design decisions
  • Habitat and display planning
  • Trophy room layout ideas

We encourage hunters to contact us while they’re still planning their safari so we can discuss mount options before they leave.

Why Choose Stehling’s Taxidermy?

Over 50 Years of Experience

Stehling’s Taxidermy is a family-owned business with decades of experience creating African and exotic mounts. We specialize in producing lifelike mounts that capture the character and beauty of each animal.

Custom Design

Every mount is built specifically for the client: custom poses, custom habitat bases, pedestal displays, wall pedestal options, and trophy room planning. We don’t believe in “assembly line” taxidermy — every piece is tailored to your vision.

African Species Expertise

We regularly work with kudu, gemsbok, wildebeest, zebra, impala, nyala, waterbuck, buffalo, and many exotic species. Our goal is to recreate the animal exactly as you remember seeing it in Africa.

Recommendations for This Trip

Before leaving:

  • Take lots of field photos
  • Photograph unique markings and scars
  • Save reference photos of habitat and terrain
  • Keep copies of all export paperwork
  • Contact us before your trophies ship
  • Start thinking about your trophy room layout now

“Preserving Your African Adventure for a Lifetime.” When your trophies arrive back in the U.S., we’ll work with you to create mounts that tell the story of your safari and become the centerpiece of your trophy room for generations.

Begin Your Mount