If you've ever found yourself looking for a truly one-of-a-kind piece of decor that you definitely won't find at a local furniture store, you've probably heard someone mention the lolli bros taxidermy auction. It's one of those events that feels like a hidden gem for some and a high-stakes arena for others. Held in Macon, Missouri, this auction is pretty much the gold standard for anyone interested in wildlife art, mounts, and oddities. It's not just a place to buy things; it's a full-on experience that brings together people from all over the country.
The legendary scene in Macon, Missouri
Macon isn't exactly a massive metropolis, but a few times a year, it becomes the center of the universe for taxidermy enthusiasts. The Lolli family has been doing this for a long time—since the 1940s, actually—and they've built a reputation that's hard to beat. When you walk into the arena during an auction, the atmosphere is electric. It's a mix of serious collectors, museum curators, interior designers looking for "statement pieces," and just curious folks who want to see a ten-foot polar bear up close.
The physical space is usually packed. You've got rows and rows of mounts, from floor-to-ceiling giraffes to tiny little squirrels doing human things. It's a bit overwhelming at first, honestly. The smell of old wood, leather, and maybe a bit of dust fills the air, and the sound of the auctioneer's rhythmic chant keeps the energy high. If you've never been to a live auction before, it can be a little intimidating, but the Lolli Bros crew makes it feel like a community event.
What you'll actually see on the floor
One of the coolest things about a lolli bros taxidermy auction is the sheer variety. You never really know what's going to show up on the catalog. One minute they're selling a massive elk mount that looks like it belongs in a grand lodge in Colorado, and the next, they're bidding off a vintage collection of African safari mounts from the 1960s.
From North American game to the truly exotic
Most of what moves through the auction are high-quality North American mounts. We're talking about trophy-sized whitetail deer, massive moose, and grizzly bears that look like they could wake up at any second. These are popular with hunters who maybe didn't get their own trophy this year or people who just want that "mountain cabin" vibe in their living room.
Then you get into the exotic stuff. This is where things get really interesting. You'll see lions, zebras, and various types of African antelope. Because these items are often older or come from estate sales, they carry a certain history with them. The Lolli Bros are pretty careful about paperwork, too, which is a big deal in the taxidermy world. You can't just sell anything—everything has to be legal and documented, especially when it comes to endangered or protected species.
Antlers and decor galore
It's not all full-body mounts, though. A huge chunk of the auction is dedicated to "smalls" and decor. You'll see bins of shed antlers, which are great for DIY projects or dog chews, and tanned hides that make amazing rugs. There's also a lot of Western memorabilia and even antique furniture sometimes. It's the kind of place where you go in looking for a deer head and walk out with a vintage saddle and a handful of coyote pelts because they were just too good a deal to pass up.
How the bidding actually works
If you're planning to attend, you need to know that things move fast. The auctioneers don't mess around. They've got a lot of lots to get through, so the pace is brisk. You'll see "ringmen" standing in the crowd, watching for the slightest nod or hand wave. These guys are loud, and they'll yell "Yup!" whenever they catch a bid, which keeps the adrenaline pumping.
You can bid in person, which is the most fun way to do it, but they also take phone bids and online bids. The online side has grown a lot lately, which means you're competing with people sitting on their couches in New York or Los Angeles. It's a bit different than the old days when you only had to worry about the person sitting next to you. If you're bidding online, you've got to be careful about the delay—if your internet lags for two seconds, you might miss out on that life-sized mountain lion you had your eye on.
Tips for first-timers and collectors
If you're thinking about heading to a lolli bros taxidermy auction for the first time, there are a few things you should keep in mind so you don't end up with "buyer's remorse."
First, do your homework. Most auctions have a preview day where you can walk through and look at everything before the bidding starts. This is crucial. You want to look for things like "slipping hair" (where the fur is falling out), cracked noses, or faded colors. Taxidermy can last a lifetime if it's cared for, but if it's been sitting in a damp basement for twenty years, it might be a lost cause.
Second, set a budget. It's so easy to get caught up in the heat of the moment. You think you'll stop at $500, but then someone outbids you, and suddenly you're at $800 because you really don't want to lose. Decide your "walk away" price before the bidding starts and stick to it. Also, don't forget about the "buyer's premium"—that's an extra percentage the auction house adds to the final price, plus sales tax.
Third, know the laws. Taxidermy is a highly regulated industry. Some states have weird rules about selling or owning certain species. The Lolli Bros are great about helping with the paperwork, but it's ultimately on you to make sure you can legally own what you're buying, especially if you're crossing state lines.
The logistics of getting your haul home
This is the part people often forget until the auctioneer yells "Sold!" and suddenly you own a seven-foot-tall brown bear. How are you getting that home?
If you live close by and have a big truck, you're golden. But if you're from out of state, things get tricky. Taxidermy is fragile and awkwardly shaped. You can't just throw a trophy buck into the back of a sedan and hope for the best. The antlers will poke through your seats, or the ears will get snapped off.
The lolli bros taxidermy auction usually has shipping companies on-site or recommended that specialize in moving this kind of stuff. It's not cheap—shipping a large mount can sometimes cost as much as the mount itself—but it's better than ruining your new prize on the drive home.
Why these auctions are still so popular
In a world where everything is becoming digital and mass-produced, there's something really grounding about these auctions. They're a throwback to a different era. People love the craftsmanship that goes into a well-done mount. It's art, really. It's about preserving a piece of nature and bringing that rugged, outdoor feeling inside.
Plus, the community is just great. You'll meet all sorts of people there, from old-school ranchers to young hipsters who want a skull for their apartment. Everyone is there because they appreciate the outdoors and the history of wildlife. It's a weird, wild, and wonderful world, and the Lolli Brothers have been keeping that spirit alive for decades.
Whether you're looking to fill up a massive trophy room or you just want one cool conversation piece for your office, heading to a lolli bros taxidermy auction is definitely an adventure. Even if you don't buy a single thing, the sheer spectacle of it all is worth the trip to Macon. Just be warned: once you go to one, it's hard not to come back for the next one. There's always something new—or very, very old—waiting to be found.