Taxidermists in Lake County, Indiana

Lake County offers several options for hunters looking to preserve a trophy after a successful season. With nine active taxidermists across the region, you can find a shop close to home whether you hunt the Kankakee River bottoms or private land near the state line. These professionals handle everything from standard shoulder mounts to rug work and waterfowl displays.

Local shops are concentrated in towns like Cedar Lake, Griffith, Hebron, Hobart, Lowell, and St. John. If you are coming out of the field near Lowell, Cunningham Taxidermy is a convenient stop for dropping off your harvest. Most of these taxidermists hold state licenses and maintain specific hours for intake and pick-up throughout the year.

9 taxidermists in Lake County

Serving Cedar Lake, Griffith, Hebron, Hobart, Lowell, St. John.

Using taxidermists in Lake 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.

Other services in Lake County

Taxidermists in nearby Indiana counties