We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Austin Allen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Austin, thanks for joining us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

Looking back, I wish I had started Double A Taxidermy sooner. Ever since I was about nine years old, this has been my dream job. I grew up loving the outdoors and developing a real passion for hunting, and I always imagined turning that passion into a career. When I finally took the leap, I realized how much I truly enjoy working for myself and building relationships with clients who share that same love for the sport.

Starting earlier would have given me more years doing what I love—connecting with people, preserving their memories, and creating work I’m proud of every day. Being able to wake up and do this full-time now feels like a dream come true, and it makes me wish I had trusted myself and started this journey even sooner.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I got into taxidermy in 2023 after reaching out to several experienced taxidermists who were willing to mentor me and help me learn the trade. I’ve always had a creative side—I took art classes throughout high school—and that artistic background, combined with my perfectionist personality, naturally led me into this craft. Taxidermy is both easy and challenging for me in the best way, because I’m constantly pushing myself to improve.

I offer a range of services including deer shoulder mounts, European mounts, various skulls, ducks, and even snakes. I’ve also restored deer mounts that were more than 20 years old. What truly sets me apart is my commitment to quality: I never take on more than I can handle, and I make sure every piece I deliver is something I would proudly hang in my own home. Timeliness and attention to detail are priorities in every project.

I’ve had the honor of entering my work in the Georgia Taxidermy Association competition, where I placed second with one of my mounts. I’m always eager to learn from more experienced taxidermists, take critiques, and keep growing—not just for myself, but for my clients who deserve the very best.

Most of all, I’m grateful for the opportunity God has given me to pursue the career I dreamed about as a kid. Being able to do this work every day is truly a blessing.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My journey in taxidermy has been one of resilience, faith, and starting fresh. When I first got into the industry, I worked with a partner. We worked well together, but over time we realized we wanted different things and decided to part ways. That decision meant I had to rebuild from the ground up—new plans, new location, new funding, and ultimately a new beginning with a new name: Double A Taxidermy.

Starting over wasn’t easy. I had to figure out where my shop would be, how to afford everything, and how to keep moving forward when it felt like I was back at square one. But with the good Lord guiding me, and with the support of my family and friends, everything started falling into place. In July of 2025, we had a building delivered right onto our property, and we worked around the clock to get it ready for 2025-2026 hunting season.

That experience taught me that setbacks can become setups. Starting over pushed me to grow, to trust myself, and to build something even stronger than before. My shop stands as a reminder of perseverance, faith, and the incredible people who helped me along the way.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has definitely been word of mouth. As an avid hunter, I naturally meet people who share the same passion for the sport—whether it’s through deer processors, outdoor events, or simply being part of the hunting community. Those connections have been the strongest foundation for growing my business.

I also use social media to showcase my work. I manage a Facebook page, and my wife runs a TikTok account where we post photos and videos of my mounts. While those platforms help get my work in front of more people, word of mouth and real connections within the hunting community continue to be the biggest driver of new clients.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BrNSuipb5/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@doubleataxidermy

Image Credits

Molly Allen