Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaun Stover.
Hi Shaun, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I spent most of my adult life doing blue-collar work. When 2020 came and everything shut down, I knew it was time to pivot. Hunting and the outdoors have always been my passion. In the past, I was lucky enough to be around some great taxidermist, and I’ve always tried to soak up the knowledge. So, when 2020 came, I knew what I wanted to do, and I thoroughly believe that god gave me the vision. I am blessed to have a great Taxidermist in Casey Watterson at Loneleaf Taxidermy, which also is a school. That point, I moved forward, attended the school, and ended up being #1 in the class. As a kid, I’ve always been artistic and creative. I was able to contact a good friend mine that I went to high school with Jason Ault Owner of Coffman Media to really get the ins and outs of business, he’s still my go to for a lot of questions, he’s been amazing. So, once I was out of school, I got my LLC, created my logo, created some merch, and never looked back! So, as of 2021, I became a full-time Taxidermist! I couldn’t do it without the support of my wife and my 2 beautiful, creative daughters. Who knows, maybe one day they’ll carry it on! I believe between social media, there are upwards of 3,000 people who follow my work! I’m a strong believer that hard work definitely pays off, and in this case, it has. I will not be taking my foot off the gas and continue to push boundaries and be creative with these wonderful animals god created!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I believe the toughest part of this is really just having the courage to step out and do something on your own. Which is easier said than done? I could not have done it without the support of my wife. Financially for the first 6-8 months were tough. Trying to buy equipment and things I need to operate, but with god, all things are possible. I also believe, though, if you have the passion and love for something, you will find a way!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a Taxidermist, most of my job consists of skinning, fleshing, and tanning, then finishing an animal to be mounted to be hung up or placed on a table or mantle. With being in the Midwest, most of my work consists of Whitetail Bucks. I also do Elks, Bears, and coyotes. Also, waterfowl and upland birds! I think, honestly, what sets me apart from others is my attention to detail and artistic and creative ability. I see quite few taxidermist but not a lot of artists. Everything I put out I genuinely care about each piece. I’m extremely perticular almost to a fault sometimes. I’m extremely proud of the journey, many times when you’re down and you can push through, and the pressure is on, that’s when diamonds are made!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Don’t quit, and don’t give up. Always be willing to learn and get better! Those are things I think about daily.
Pricing:
- Whitetail Shoulder Mount $700
- Waterfowl range from $500-$700
- Upland birds -$500
- Elk Shoulder Mount-$1,500
- Blacks Bears range from to full body mounts.
Contact Info:
- Website: stover-taxidermy.myshopify.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stovertaxidermyllc?igsh=ZGZ6OWZrY25iMGo3&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077521093043&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Shaun Stover
