A bear has real presence on a wall or floor — and it is one of the least forgiving trophies to handle. Bears spoil fast, and the paws and face are easy to ruin. Outlaw Taxidermy builds bear rugs, life-size mounts and shoulder mounts with the careful paw, claw and facial work that separates a great bear from a rough one, bringing the same specialist-level care we are known for on birds. Serving hunters across Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and Nevada.
Rug or Life-Size? Start Here
| Bear Rug | Life-Size Mount | |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Wall or floor; compact | Large dedicated area |
| Cost | More affordable | Premium |
| Shows off | Hide, claws, open mouth | The whole animal, in pose |
| Best for | Most hunters | A true trophy centerpiece |
Ways to Mount Your Bear
European Skull
A whitened bear skull — a low-key way to keep your trophy.
Bear Rug
The classic flat rug with a felt border, showing off the hide and claws.
Life-Size
The full bear in a pose — dramatic, and a real centerpiece.
Getting Your Bear to Us
- Do not let it sit warm. Bears spoil and slip faster than almost anything; get it cool immediately.
- Keep paws and head intact. These are the hardest parts to get right and the easiest to ruin.
- Whole is safest. If you are not experienced skinning a bear, bring it in whole.
- Freeze if needed. If it will be more than a day, freeze the hide (paws and head on) until you can reach us.
Why Hunters Trust Outlaw
Bears reward experienced, patient work — sloppy paw and face detail shows instantly. We treat every mount like it is our own, with honest timelines and craftsmanship we stand behind. Reach out with your bear and we will help you choose a rug or mount and quote you straight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I skin my bear myself?
If you are not experienced, do not risk it — the paws and face are easy to ruin. Bring the bear in whole (or field-skinned with paws and head left fully intact), kept cool or frozen, as soon as possible.
How do you decide between a rug and a life-size mount?
Space and budget, mostly. A rug is affordable and space-friendly and shows off the hide and claws; a life-size is a dramatic centerpiece that needs real room. We will help you choose.
Can I choose an open or closed mouth on a rug?
Yes. Open-mouth rugs show the teeth and are the classic look; closed-mouth is cleaner and more subtle. Your call.
How long does a bear rug or mount take?
Roughly 6 to 12 months given tanning and detailed paw and face work. We keep you updated.

