Wisconsin is full of wildlife, but one area home is full of wildlife from four continents.

In this Wandering Wisconsin, Sarah Stokes shows us around the Brush Museum and all its big game.

If you want to get a taste of Africa, Russia or Asia's big game, look no further than Galesville where hundreds of exotic animals have made Trempealeau county home.

"People probably dream of hunting in places like this," says Travis Brush.

Some people mark their travels with souvenirs, scrapbooks or journals, but Jim Brush collects trophies, of the taxidermy type.

"My father, Jim Brush, is the one who harvested 90% of these animals on different trips around the world," Travis Brush says.

Jim Brush and his wife Cindy own the museum that sits right under their home in the hills. It's quite a basement trophy room.

"He can just come from upstairs and enjoy all the animals," Travis adds.

Jim's son Travis gave us the tour of the museum that he says was built out of necessity. "Ran out of room." (laughs).

30 years worth of archery-only hunting trophies are now on display for the public. Travis continues, "ran out of room with all these animals so we thought that would be the way to go so people could view animals from all over the world."

From a safari in Africa to a snowy scene in the states, constructing this animal kingdom took years. Travis adds, "5 years every day hard at it to create all this. Starts out from Africa, goes around to North America, Asian animals in between."

Amidst all the memories, Travis recalls his favorite hunt. "Africa. So many animals to see. It's a different world."

They tried to make this wild world realistic. For some visitors it's a little too realistic. "They get a kick out of it until they get over by the crocodile which moves up and down. We've had some little kids scream."

"Everything is in a type of motion. Stalking something, sitting up, motion they would be in the wild." And when you're hunting with a bow and arrow in the wild, Travis says it can be dangerous, like taking down a rhinoceros. "You gotta be 15 yards from that or the elephant."

And while bringing home huge animals like a giraffe, elephant or grizzly is this family's hobby, Travis says they enjoy sharing it with anyone.
"Gives a little information to people who don't know who haven't seen any of these animals before. Gives them an idea what they look like," he says.

The brush family still privately enjoys their collection, "reminisce about the old days," reflecting with every trip through here about the thrill of the hunt.

"I Feel blessed. It's been a great opportunity not only to harvest them but just to be able to see them," he adds.

And there's plenty to see here. From the biggest to the smallest of critters, the predators to the prey, the furry to the feisty.

When you come on your self-guided tour, make sure to look for the little things. Surprises are everywhere at the Brush Museum.

Travis Brush tells us the museum is in the heart of Brush Ranch, 18 miles worth of deer hunting preserve land. The family uses Whitetail Wonderland Taxidermy and they keep the taxidermist so busy with all the animals, he even has his office in the museum.

If you want to visit the Brush Museum outside Galesville:

Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (No Weekends)
Cost: $10 Adults, $8 Kids

Travis Brush recommends calling ahead to make sure someone is there to let you in: (608) 539-4008