About Jake
My name is Jake Rouse, and I am the owner and wildlife artist at Jake Rouse Taxidermy. I have spent my whole life outdoors hunting and observing how wildlife moves and interacts. I remember as a young boy, being on my father’s back with my arms wrapped around his neck as we climbed the tree stands together. However, as much as I love hunting, I realized many years ago that I have a true passion for recreating wildlife as a taxidermist. I studied business at Mount Olive College, obtaining my degree in Business Management; as well as attending Johnson Community College’s taxidermy course. I take taxidermy very serious and have invested in myself to continuously improve my skills over the years. I am an active member in The North Carolina Taxidermist's Association; as well as previously serving as a board member, and the Vice President for the Association.
As a hunter I know how much your trophy means to you...that is why I have trained one on one with some of the best taxidermists in the Country, including World Champion and National Champion taxidermist's, to provide you with exceptional mounts! I am also very proud to be an award winning taxidermist, winning many awards myself including being a Multi-State State Champion! I have also judged Youth, Amateur, and Commercial Divisions in taxidermy competitions; as well as given seminars in many other states at taxidermy conventions.
I always work my hardest for perfection and want every one of my mounts to reflect that! I am not your typical taxidermist from down the road… I love doing the typical style mounts, but also love a challenge and creating very unique pieces as well! Therefore, in my shop the only limit is your imagination! And because of that I am very fortunate to have customers drive from hours away, even states away. As well as shipping their trophies to me just to have me mount them.
I mount every piece as if it is my own trophy that I am preserving the memory of. I do not take short cuts, and only use quality materials that meet my standards! So you can rest assure that your trophy will result in a high quality mount here!
Jake's Licenses, Awards, & Training
- NC Licensed Taxidermist
- Current Member of The North Carolina Taxidermist Association
- Certified NC Taxidermist thru The North Carolina Taxidermist Association
- 2016 & 2017 Board Member for The North Carolina Taxidermist Association
- 2019 & 2020 Vice President for The North Carolina Taxidermist Association
- Multi-State Champion winner in Gameheads, Master's Division
- Multiple Award Winning Taxidermist in Professional & Master's Divisions
- Trained on Whitetails with "Best in the World Whitetail Mount 2011" winner
- Trained on Ducks with a Master Taxidermist who is a National winner in waterfowl
- Trained on African and Life-size mounts with a multiple "Breakthrough" Award Winner
- Trained on Bears, Rams & Habitat with a 8 time Artisan Award winner
- Taught seminars in multiple states at taxidermy conventions
- Have attended 100+ seminars to learn techniques from Master Taxidermists and World Champion Taxidermists
About April
My name is April, I'm Jake's wife and the other half of our business. I am licensed as a taxidermist in NC, as well as Federally licensed. My educational background consists of a Bachelor Degree in Human Resource Management & a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership with a specialization in Human Resource Management. I handle all the "behind the scenes" aspects of our business; including taking in mounts, business records, ordering/receiving supplies, coordinating shipments, and social media. I was the 2016 & 2017 Secretary for the North Carolina Taxidermist's Association. While serving as Secretary I was awarded The President's Award for going above and beyond to assist the association and the President. And then the next year I was very honored to be nominated by the association, and awarded The McKenzie Distinguished Service Award... for recognition of outstanding contributions toward professionalism, education and the advancement of the art of taxidermy. In addition to our love for taxidermy, we love to spend time together as a family; whether it's hunting, camping, or just about anything outdoors!