At Northern Pines Wholesale Rugs, we work with taxidermists across the country who trust us to bring their work to life—literally—through high-quality rugging services. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience under your belt, understanding what goes into a great taxidermy rug can help you save time, improve results, and better serve your customers.

1. It Starts with the Skin Prep

A great rug starts before it even arrives at our shop. Proper hide preparation is essential. Here are a few tips:

• Clean and properly salted hides prevent issues with slippage or bacteria.

• If you’re sending your hides to a tannery, be sure to request a soft tan that’s suitable for rugs.

• Separate the hides that are intended specifically for rug work—this helps reduce shipping weight and keeps your orders organized.

Remember: the cleaner the prep, the cleaner the finished product.

2. Attention to Head Shell Mounting

If you’re sending a bear, the mounted head is often the focal point of the finished rug. At Northern Pines, we offer head shell mounting as part of our services, ensuring your client’s piece has realistic shape, symmetry, and lifelike expression.

Want to mount the shell yourself? No problem—just send it along and we’ll take care of the rugging.

3. Edge Work & Bordering Matter

The edging is where function meets flair. A well-done border not only adds strength to the rug but also gives it a finished, professional appearance. We offer a variety of border styles and colors, helping taxidermists match the aesthetic their clients are looking for—whether rustic, bold, or classic.

4. Face Finishing Is an Art

One of the areas we take the most pride in is face finishing. It’s in the fine details—eye placement, grooming, shaping—that a rug truly comes to life. This is where experience and artistry come together. Every rug we finish is treated like a showpiece, because that’s what your customers deserve.

Why Work With Northern Pines?

We’ve been serving the taxidermy industry since 1990 and continue to grow because we focus on Loyalty, Integrity, and Service. With over 13,000 square feet of workspace and a dedicated crew, we’ve streamlined our wholesale rugging process to deliver quality and turnaround you can count on.

Let’s Work Together

Are you ready to elevate your taxidermy work with professional rugging services? Whether it’s your first rug or your fiftieth, Northern Pines Wholesale Rugs is here to help.

📞 Contact us today 231-937-4696