01 — Start Here

Drop-off, deposits, & what to bring.

Q: Is a deposit required?

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.

Your first project, mapped out. From the moment you walk in the door to the moment we shake hands at pickup — here’s what to expect, what to bring, and what we’ll need from you.

No appointment needed. Just bring the harvest, the tags, and any reference photos you’ve been collecting for the pose. We’ll take it from there.

First-Timer Resources

Articles to start with

The Process

The full seven-step walkthrough — from drop-off through finishing — illustrated with examples from the bench.

View walkthrough →

From Intake to Pickup

What happens between the day you drop off your trophy and the day you pick it up — every stage, in plain English.

Read guide →

About Stehling’s

Fifty years, two facilities, second generation. Why we work the way we work — and why it matters for your mount.

Read story →

The Easy 8 Payment Plan

How deposits work, what’s due at pickup, and the payment plan that splits the balance over eight months.

See payment plan →

Locations & Hours

Two Wisconsin locations — Jefferson and Green Bay. Address, hours, what to expect when you walk in.

Find us →

All Getting-Started FAQs

Every first-timer question we get — from drop-off logistics to species we work on — in one place.

Browse FAQs →

8Articles in our Getting Started library

Common Questions

Getting started, answered

Do I need an appointment to drop off my trophy?

No appointment is needed. You can drop off at either location during normal business hours. Read more about our process.

What should I bring when I drop off my trophy?

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. See the full step-by-step process.

How do I choose the pose and habitat/base for my mount?

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

What species do you work on?

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 in our portfolio.

Is a deposit required?

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 about the Easy 8 Payment Plan.

Can you store my animal until I’m ready to start the project?

We can hold properly preserved specimens in our freezers until you’re ready. Reach out for the specifics on freezer space, holding times, and any associated fees. Contact us to confirm.

Ready when you are

Bring it in. We’ll take it from there.

No appointment needed. Two Wisconsin locations, both open during normal business hours. Bring the harvest, the tags, and any pose ideas — we’ll handle the rest.

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