Mule Deer Mounts
Stehling’s Taxidermy builds custom mule deer mounts for hunters across the West and the Midwest. Shoulder mounts are $1,100, and every buck is mounted in our Jefferson, Wisconsin studio under Aaron and Austin Stehling, the second generation of a family studio that has mounted big game since 1978. Hunting Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, or the Dakotas this fall? Cape your buck, freeze it, and call us before you ship it.
Start Your Mule Deer Mount | See Pricing
Or call/text: (920) 650-7800
Mule Deer Mount Options
A mule deer is a bigger, heavier-faced animal than a whitetail, with a wider ear spread, a lighter face, and a black-tipped tail. A good mule deer mount respects that. We build on mule-deer-specific forms, not whitetail forms with the ears pushed out, and we match the face color and brisket hair to the buck you actually shot.
Shoulder Mount ($1,100)
The classic wall mount. Choose upright, semi-upright, or sneak, with the head turned left, right, or straight. We recommend a semi-sneak with a slight turn for most mule deer because it shows the ear spread and the depth of the neck.
Wall Pedestal and Floor Pedestal
A pedestal mount includes the shoulder and part of the brisket and lets the buck stand off the wall or on its own base. It is the best way to show a heavy-bodied high-country buck. Quoted per project; bases and habitat are additional.
Life-Size Mount ($3,000)
A full-body mule deer in a standing, walking, or bedded pose on a custom sagebrush or rimrock base. Popular for trophy rooms and lodges. Bases and habitat are additional; we will design the scene with you.
Planning the display
- Ear spread. A mule deer’s ears are much wider than a whitetail’s, so a mule deer shoulder mount needs more wall width. A semi-sneak with a slight turn shows the ears and neck on most bucks.
- Wall or floor. A wall pedestal or floor pedestal shows a heavy-bodied buck from the side; pedestals are quoted per project.
- One western display. A combination pedestal with an antelope from the same trip (pictured) is quoted as one project.
- Room placement. Send us the wall measurements, the ceiling height and a photo of the room, and we’ll recommend a pose.
European Skull Mount ($275)
Cleaned and whitened skull on a plaque or wall hanger. Add $50 to include the lower jaw. A great option for a management buck or a second deer from the same trip.
Antler Mounts and Panels
Antlers on a leather- or velvet-covered panel, or a full skull plate with a cape-style cover. Ask us for a quote.
Mule Deer Mount Pricing
| Mount | Price |
|---|---|
| Mule deer shoulder mount | $1,100 |
| Mule deer life-size | $3,000 |
| European skull mount | $275 (+$50 with lower jaw) |
| Pedestal, wall pedestal, antler panel | Quote on request |
Bases, habitat, and specialty work are priced separately. Pay in full, 50/50 (half at order, half due in eight months), three installments, or monthly through our Easy 8 Payment Plan. No banks, no credit checks. See the full price list.
Turnaround and Rush Options
Standard delivery is 12 to 14 months. If you need your buck back sooner we offer 180-day (+25%), 90-day (+50%), and 30-day (+100%) rush service on select orders. Rush capacity is limited in the fall, so ask when you book.
Shipping a Mule Deer Cape From Out West
Most of our mule deer come to us from out of state. Here is how to get a cape to Wisconsin in mount-ready condition:
- Cape long. Cut well behind the shoulders, at least a hand’s width behind the front legs, and around the body, not up the brisket. More cape is always better than less. See our guide on how to skin a deer for a shoulder mount.
- Leave the head in the cape. Cut the head off at the base of the skull and leave the face skin attached. We will do the fine work on the ears, eyes, and lips.
- Cool it fast. Warm early-season weather out West is a common cause of hair slippage. Get the cape out of the sun, into a cooler, and frozen within a day.
- Freeze flat, hair out, in a bag. Roll the cape loosely, hair side out, in a heavy trash bag. Squeeze out the air. Do not salt a cape you plan to freeze.
- Ship frozen, early in the week. Pack the frozen cape in a cooler or foam-lined box with newspaper for insulation and ship on a Monday so the box doesn’t sit over a weekend, and call or text us first. Antlers can ship separately in a box. Full instructions are on our shipping page.
Hunting with an outfitter? Most western outfitters will cape and freeze the deer for you. Ask them to cape long and to keep the head skin attached, then ship it to us or bring it home in a cooler.
Coordinating With Your Outfitter or Processor
- Before the hunt, call or text us with the state, your outfitter or processor, and the mount you want. See pre-hunt planning.
- Getting it home. Rules for moving deer heads, capes and antlers across state lines vary by state and can change, especially where chronic wasting disease is found. Check the current requirements for every state on your route (for Wisconsin, see the Wisconsin DNR carcass movement rules) and call us before you transport or ship.
Next step: send us the species, the mount you want and any photos of the animal or the room, by the start-your-mount form or by text to (920) 650-7800. Every mule deer mount is built in our Jefferson studio; you can drop off and pick up in Jefferson or at our New Franken showroom near Green Bay, or ship frozen to Jefferson after you call.
Why Western Hunters Ship Their Mule Deer to Stehling’s
- Mule-deer-specific forms and eyes. Correct ear butts, face shape, and eye set for the species.
- Museum-quality finish work. Nose, eyes, and ear detail that hold up under close inspection.
- Two generations, one studio. Work led by Aaron and Austin Stehling in our Jefferson studio.
- Transparent pricing. The prices on this page are the prices you pay, plus base and habitat if you want them.
- Payment plans. Spread the cost over eight months with no interest.
Mule Deer Mount FAQ
How much does a mule deer shoulder mount cost?
$1,100 at Stehling’s Taxidermy. Life-size is $3,000 and a European skull mount is $275.
Can I ship a mule deer cape to you from Colorado, Wyoming, or Montana?
Yes. Yes. Cape it, freeze it, check the transport rules for your route, and call us before you ship; then ship it on a Monday. Our shipping page has step-by-step packing instructions.
How long does a mule deer mount take?
12 to 14 months standard. Rush service is available at 180, 90, or 30 days.
What pose is best for a mule deer?
A semi-sneak with a slight head turn shows off the ear spread and neck on most bucks. Upright poses work well for tall, heavy racks. Send us a photo of your buck and the wall it is going on and we will recommend a pose.
Do you mount blacktail and Coues deer?
Yes. Ask us for a quote on blacktail, Coues or Sitka deer.
