Aaron Stehling and Austin Stehling are professional museum taxidermists and museum habitat builders specializing in immersive wildlife exhibits for museums, nature centers, and educational institutions. Their work combines anatomical precision, scientific accuracy, and custom habitat fabrication to create lifelike displays that educate and inspire the public. As second-generation artisans at Stehling's Taxidermy, they partner with museums to produce exhibit-ready taxidermy and realistic environments that bring wildlife and ecosystems to life. What Is Museum Taxidermy? Museum taxidermy is the practice of preserving and mounting animals specifically for public educational display. Unlike trophy taxidermy, museum mounts are designed to: Accurately represent anatomy and behavior Support scientific and conservation messaging Withstand long-term public exhibition Integrate seamlessly into interpretive exhibits Aaron and Austin Stehling follow professional museum standards used by natural history institutions worldwide. Their taxidermy work serves as a foundation for storytelling, allowing visitors to better understand wildlife biology and ecosystems. Learn more: What Is Museum Taxidermy? How Museums Preserve Wildlife for Education Professional Museum Taxidermists with Generational Experience As second-generation taxidermists, Aaron and Austin Stehling build upon decades of institutional experience. Their expertise includes: Mammals, birds, and large wildlife species Behavioral posing for educational accuracy Specimens intended for museum dioramas Long-term durability for public spaces Their work is commissioned by museums and institutions that require museum-grade craftsmanship rather than decorative or private mounts. See the selection process: How Museums Choose Professional Taxidermists for Exhibits Museum Habitat Builders Creating Immersive Exhibits A museum exhibit is only as powerful as the environment surrounding the specimen. Through Epic Journey Design, Aaron and Austin Stehling provide museum habitat building services that transform taxidermy into immersive experiences. Museum Habitat and Exhibit Services Include: Custom museum dioramas Sculpted terrain and geological features Realistic vegetation and ecosystems Environmental storytelling elements Integrated lighting and spatial design By uniting taxidermy and habitat construction, museums receive cohesive exhibits that feel natural, educational, and visually compelling. Explore habitat construction in depth: Museum Habitat Builders: Creating Immersive Wildlife Exhibits Lighting Design for Specimen Enhancement Proper lighting is essential for showcasing museum taxidermy while protecting specimens from UV damage and heat degradation. Conservation-grade LED systems and fiber optic solutions allow museums to create dramatic visual impact without compromising long-term specimen integrity. Discover professional lighting techniques: Lighting for Museum Taxidermy: Enhancing Specimens Without Damage Dioramas and Immersive Exhibit Options Museums can choose from traditional diorama formats or modern immersive environments—each offering distinct advantages for visitor engagement and specimen preservation. Many institutions blend both approaches to create varied gallery experiences. Compare your options: Dioramas vs. Modern Immersive Exhibits: Which Is Right for Your Museum? Integrated Taxidermy and Exhibit Design for Museums Aaron and Austin Stehling offer museums a fully integrated exhibit approach, reducing coordination challenges and improving consistency across exhibits. Their collaborative process ensures: Accurate scale between specimens and habitats Natural postures aligned with exhibit narratives Seamless integration with educational signage Strong visual impact and visitor engagement This unified workflow helps museums create exhibits that are both scientifically accurate and emotionally engaging. Understand the complete journey: From Specimen to Exhibit: The Museum Taxidermy Process Wildlife Conservation Through Museum Exhibits Museum exhibits play a critical role in conservation education. By presenting wildlife in realistic habitats, Aaron and Austin Stehling help museums foster deeper connections between visitors and the natural world. Their work supports: Conservation awareness Environmental education Cultural and ecological storytelling Long-term public learning Protecting these valuable educational resources requires proper care. Learn about best practices: Caring for Museum Taxidermy: Conservation and Maintenance Best Practices Serving Museums Nationwide Aaron and Austin Stehling collaborate with museums of all sizes across the United States. From regional nature centers to large natural history museums, their commitment to quality and educational impact remains consistent. Partner with Experienced Museum Taxidermists For museums seeking professional taxidermists who understand the needs of public exhibit environments, Aaron and Austin Stehling deliver the expertise, craftsmanship, and collaboration required to produce exhibits that educate and inspire. Request a consultation to discuss your museum exhibit project. Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between museum taxidermy and trophy taxidermy? Museum taxidermy prioritizes scientific accuracy, educational value, and long-term durability for public display. Trophy taxidermy is typically created for private display and may prioritize aesthetics over anatomical precision. Do Aaron and Austin Stehling build museum habitats as well as taxidermy? Yes. Through Epic Journey Design, they provide complete museum habitat building services including sculpted terrain, vegetation, and immersive environments that integrate seamlessly with their taxidermy work. What types of museums do they work with? Aaron and Austin Stehling collaborate with natural history museums, nature centers, educational institutions, zoos, and visitor centers across the United States. How long do museum taxidermy mounts last? Museum-grade taxidermy, when properly maintained in controlled environments, can last for decades or even over a century. Aaron and Austin Stehling use archival materials and construction techniques designed for long-term institutional use.