About Epic Journey Design
Five decades of excellence in creating museum-quality wildlife habitats and immersive dioramas that inspire wonder and connection with nature.
About Epic Journey Design
Epic Journey Design is the custom habitat-building division of Stehling's Taxidermy—one of the largest and most experienced studios in the world.
For over five decades, we've crafted lifelike environments that merge artistry, natural science, and exhibit engineering. Our second-generation team of master craftsmen brings unparalleled expertise to every project, from concept through installation.
Our habitats can be found in museums, retail stores, zoos, nature centers, and corporate spaces across the country—each one a testament to our commitment to authenticity, durability, and breathtaking realism.
Meet Our Team
The skilled artisans and craftsmen who bring your habitat visions to life.
Aaron Stehling
Co-Owner & Project Lead
Aaron is the co-owner of Epic Journey and is involved in all company projects. A second-generation taxidermist with over 25 years of experience, Aaron specializes in taxidermy and habitat recreation with a focus on complex water and mountain scenes. He also serves as the company's project manager, working directly with clients throughout the entire project lifecycle. Outside of work, Aaron enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the outdoors, and traveling to national parks.
Austin Stehling
Co-Owner & Artifact Specialist
Austin is the co-owner of Epic Journey and is involved in all company projects. With over 20 years of experience as a taxidermist and wildlife artist, Austin also brings extensive expertise in cataloging and transporting rare and irreplaceable artifacts. He is a taxidermy historian and maintains one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of taxidermy books and historical documents in the world. When not working on Epic Journey projects, Austin enjoys spending time with his wife on their farmstead.
Sarocha Rorgkum
Wildlife Artist & Recreation Specialist
Sarocha has been with Epic Journey for five years and contributes across a wide range of projects. Her primary focus is recreating wildlife through painting and sculpting, and she also has experience cataloging and handling rare artifacts. Prior to joining Epic Journey, she worked as a guide and recreation artist at the many temples surrounding Bangkok. Sarocha has lived in Thailand, the Netherlands, and throughout the United States. She enjoys trying new foods and spending time with her family.
Macaria Guillen
Office Manager & Client Relations
Macaria manages all aspects of office operations and oversees projects both domestically and internationally. Fluent in Spanish and English, she works closely with many of Epic Journey's international clients and serves as a key point of contact throughout the project process. Known for her organization and attention to detail, Macaria helps ensure projects run smoothly from start to finish. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, as well as working on her farmstead.
Why Choose Epic Journey Design
Unmatched expertise, proven results, and a commitment to creating habitats that inspire and endure
50+ Years of Experience
Second-generation expertise and proven track record building habitats for the nation's leading institutions
Museum-Grade Craftsmanship
Every mount and habitat built to withstand decades of public viewing while maintaining stunning authenticity
Scientifically Accurate Displays
Authentic habitats with proper species representation, natural behaviors, and ecologically correct environments
Large-Scale Project Capability
11,000+ sq. ft. of facilities with state-of-the-art equipment capable of handling projects of virtually any size
Custom Designs for Any Space
Every habitat tailored to your brand, theme, educational goals, and architectural requirements
Trusted by Industry Leaders
Museums, zoos, retailers, and nature centers nationwide rely on our expertise and commitment to excellence
Facilities & Scale
With over 11,000 sq. ft. of combined studio and showroom space across Wisconsin, our team can handle projects of virtually any size.
Jefferson Headquarters
8,000 sq. ft. flagship studio
State-of-the-art equipment, large observation windows, expansive production space
Green Bay Facility
3,000 sq. ft. showroom & production hub
Serving northeastern Wisconsin with full habitat capabilities
State-of-the-Art Equipment
Large-format scenic fabrication areas, advanced sculpting tools, professional finishing stations
Limitless Capacity
From single educational mounts to wall-to-wall museum installations—if you can envision it, we can build it
One of the Largest Taxidermy Studios in the World
Our scale and experience mean we can take on projects that others simply cannot. No habitat is too ambitious.