From Intake to Pickup: How a Mount Moves Through a Professional Taxidermy Shop

 

For many clients, dropping off a trophy is exciting—but it can also come with questions. What happens next? Where does the animal go? Why does quality taxidermy take time?

At Stehling’s Taxidermy, we believe transparency builds trust. This article walks you through the journey your mount takes—from intake to pickup—so you know exactly how your trophy is handled, protected, and cared for every step of the way.

 

Step 1: Intake and Documentation

The process begins the moment your trophy arrives at our shop.

During intake, we:

• Record client information and mount preferences

• Tag the specimen for identification and tracking

• Review field care and condition

• Confirm any special requests or pose details

Proper documentation ensures your trophy is identified, tracked, and handled correctly from day one.

 

Step 2: Initial Preparation and Preservation

Once intake is complete, your animal moves into the preparation phase.

Depending on condition and timing, this may include:

• Skinning and caping

• Initial fleshing

• Salting, freezing, or immediate preservation

This stage is critical. Proper early care helps ensure long-term hide quality and prevents issues that could affect the finished mount.

 

Step 3: Tanning or Hide Processing

After initial prep, hides are professionally tanned or processed.

This step:

• Preserves the hide for long-term durability

• Restores flexibility and strength

• Prevents shrinkage and deterioration

Tanning is one of the most time-consuming stages, but it’s essential for producing a mount that lasts for decades—not just years.

 

Step 4: Form Selection and Mounting Preparation

While the hide is being processed, we prepare for mounting.

This includes:

• Selecting the correct form based on measurements

• Making adjustments for anatomy, pose, and expression

• Preparing eyes, ear liners, and structural materials

Every animal is unique, and form preparation ensures the finished mount reflects natural proportions and lifelike detail.

 

Step 5: Mounting and Sculpting

This is where the mount truly begins to take shape.

During mounting:

• The hide is carefully fitted to the form

• Facial features are sculpted and aligned

• Eyes, ears, nose, and mouth are positioned precisely

This stage requires patience and experience. Small details here make a major difference in realism and expression.

 

Step 6: Drying and Setting Time

After mounting, the piece enters a controlled drying period.

Drying allows:

• The hide to set naturally

• Features to hold their shape

• Final adjustments as needed

This phase cannot be rushed. Proper drying ensures stability, durability, and long-term quality.

 

Step 7: Finishing, Grooming, and Detail Work

Once fully dried, the mount moves into finishing.

This includes:

• Grooming and hair alignment

• Color restoration and airbrushing

• Final inspection and touch-ups

This is where the mount transitions from “assembled” to finished craftsmanship.

 

Step 8: Final Inspection and Client Notification

Before pickup, each mount goes through a final quality check.

We ensure:

• Structural integrity

• Clean presentation

• Accurate details and expression

Once complete, clients are contacted to arrange pickup.

 

Why Quality Taxidermy Takes Time

Each step in this process is intentional. Quality taxidermy isn’t rushed—it’s built through proper preparation, patience, and attention to detail.

The time invested ensures:

• Long-lasting durability

• Natural appearance

• Pride of display for years to come

 

Our Commitment at Stehling’s Taxidermy

From intake to pickup, your trophy is treated with care, organization, and respect. We rely on proven systems, professional workflows, and years of experience to deliver consistent, high-quality results.

Your mount isn’t just another project—it’s a memory, and we’re honored to preserve it.

 

Have Questions About the Process?

We’re always happy to explain timelines, techniques, or care recommendations. Feel free to contact Stehling’s Taxidermy with any questions about your mount.