Tony's Taxidermy
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Saint Elmo, IL
Taxidermists in Fayette County, Illinois
Fayette County offers diverse hunting opportunities, particularly for those targeting whitetails in the timber along the Kaskaskia River. Whether you are hunting the public ground at Carlyle Lake or private tracts near Saint Elmo, you need a reliable way to preserve a trophy. Local shops handle everything from standard shoulder mounts to small game and waterfowl taken during the fall migrations.
You can find services available in Saint Elmo, including Tony's Taxidermy. These professionals understand the specific anatomy of Illinois deer and how to properly prep a hide for a long-lasting mount. It is best to call ahead during the archery and firearm seasons to check on current turnaround times and drop-off requirements.
1 taxidermist in Fayette County
Serving Saint Elmo.
Using taxidermists in Fayette County
A taxidermist takes your cape and antlers, preps and tans the hide, then mounts the animal on a form. Most shops want the cape caped out and frozen, or the whole head delivered cold and unfrozen within a day or two of the kill.
What to ask before you commit
- What is your current turnaround time, in months?
- Do you tan in-house or send hides out?
- What deposit do you require, and is it applied to the final price?
- Can I see finished mounts of the same species?
- How should I care for the cape before I bring it in?
What it usually costs
Shoulder mounts commonly run several hundred to well over a thousand dollars depending on species, form and finish work. European mounts are typically the least expensive option. Deposits of 30-50% are standard.
Timing matters
Get the cape cold fast. Do not salt or freeze a cape you plan to have mounted without asking the shop first — hair slip from a warm hide is the single most common ruined mount.