Budgeting for a Taxidermy Mount: Why Pre-Hunt Planning Matters
For many hunters, the excitement of the hunt often overshadows what comes afterward—preserving the memory of the animal through taxidermy. Too often, hunters only start thinking about mounts after the animal is harvested. That’s when the sticker shock or uncertainty about options hits: “I didn’t realize it would cost this much” or “I wasn’t planning on shooting anything special.”
The truth is, taxidermy is an investment—both in dollars and in the memory of your hunt. By including taxidermy in your pre-hunt planning, you can avoid surprises, make informed decisions, and ensure your trophy is displayed exactly the way you want.
Why Plan Ahead for Taxidermy?
1. Budgeting Prevents Sticker Shock
The cost of a mount varies depending on the species, style, and customization. For example, a duck mount costs significantly less than a half bear or full shoulder elk. Having a ballpark figure in mind before you step into the field helps you avoid financial stress later.
2. Choose the Right Mount for You
Every mount tells a story. Some hunters prefer a classic shoulder mount, while others may want a pedestal or half-body display. Pre-planning allows you to research options, compare costs, and decide what style best suits your trophy and your home.
3. Preserve the Hide Properly in the Field
If you don’t plan ahead, you may not take the right steps in the field to protect your animal’s hide. Proper field care—such as careful skinning and immediate cooling—is essential for a high-quality mount. Knowing ahead of time what you want done helps guide your preparation.
Example Pricing for Popular Mounts
(Pricing based on Stehling’s 2025 rate sheet — actual prices vary by options and customization)
- Whitetail Shoulder Mount: Starting around $975
- Bear Half Mount: $2,300+
- Elk Shoulder Mount: $1,800
- Duck Mount: $575
- Turkey Mount: $1,300
➡️ Tip: Taxidermy pricing can vary greatly from one shop to the next — and, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Investing a little more upfront in a quality mount will save you money (and disappointment) in the long run. Poorly done mounts often need costly repairs or even full replacement.
Easy Financing Options
We understand taxidermy is a significant investment. That’s why we’re proud to offer our Easy In-House Financing, available starting September 1st.
Our Easy 8 Payment Plan:
- Option 1 – Pay in full when placing your order.
- Option 2 – Pay 50% down, with the remaining 50% due in 8 months.
- Option 3 – Pay in 3 installments over 8 months (auto-withdrawal required).
- Option 4 – Pay monthly over 8 months (auto-withdrawal required).
✔️ No banks.
✔️ No credit checks.
✔️ Just simple, flexible, in-house financing.
This makes budgeting stress-free, so you can focus on enjoying your hunt and looking forward to the finished mount.
Key Questions to Ask Before Your Hunt
- What type of mount do I want if I harvest my target species?
- How much should I set aside in my hunting budget for taxidermy?
- What are the field care steps I’ll need to follow for that mount?
- Do I have a trusted taxidermist picked out ahead of time?
Why Choose Stehling’s?
When you choose a custom taxidermy shop like Stehling’s, you’re not just paying for a mount — you’re investing in craftsmanship, attention to detail, and peace of mind.
- Family Expertise: All work is completed by brothers Aaron & Austin Stehling — second-generation, full-time taxidermists with over 50 years of combined experience.
- Custom Workmanship: We take the time to craft each mount exactly how you envision it.
- Professional Facilities:
- Jefferson Headquarters — Our 8,000 sq. ft. production studio with observation windows so you can watch your mount come to life.
- Green Bay Showroom — 2,500 sq. ft. of displays from around the world, where you can explore poses, habitat options, and styles.
When you visit Stehling’s, you’re treated like a friend — welcome to explore, ask questions, and stay as long as you like.
Final Thoughts
Taxidermy isn’t just a purchase—it’s an investment in preserving the story of your hunt. By planning ahead and budgeting for your mount, you’ll eliminate surprises, ensure proper care, and create a display you’ll be proud of for years to come.
With Stehling’s, you’ll have clarity on costs, flexible financing options, and the confidence of knowing your trophy is in expert hands.
Don’t wait until after the shot. Make taxidermy part of your pre-hunt checklist — and your trophy will be ready to honor for a lifetime.
