After the Hunt Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Beach Park, Illinois

(847) 872-277510606 W Circle Dr, Beach Park, IL 60099View on Yelp
After the Hunt Taxidermy - taxidermy in Beach Park, IL

About After the Hunt Taxidermy

After the Hunt Taxidermy serves hunters and anglers in Beach Park, Illinois, a community situated along the Lake County shoreline near the Wisconsin border. This region draws serious deer hunters every fall, and local taxidermists here understand the pride behind a hard-earned trophy. Beach Park sits close to the Chain O'Lakes area, which means clients often bring in both big game and freshwater fish from the same season. If you're looking for a taxidermist who knows the local hunting culture firsthand, this is a solid place to start.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

After the Hunt Taxidermy handles the full range of preservation work you'd expect from a shop serving Illinois hunters. Deer shoulder mounts are a staple, involving careful skin preparation, form fitting, and natural eye positioning to recreate lifelike expression. Fish mounts, popular given the area's proximity to Lake Michigan and the Chain O'Lakes, can be done as skin mounts or high-quality reproductions. Skull cleaning and antler mounting round out the offerings, giving clients multiple ways to display their season's best work.

Service Area

After the Hunt Taxidermy is based in Beach Park, Illinois, and serves clients throughout Lake County and the surrounding northern Illinois region. Hunters coming from Waukegan, Zion, Antioch, and the broader Chain O'Lakes corridor regularly work with local taxidermists in this area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon after the harvest do I need to bring in my deer?
You'll want to get your deer to the taxidermist within a day or two of the harvest, especially if temperatures are warm. Keep the head and cape cool and avoid cutting the skin too close to the shoulders, since the taxidermist needs enough hide to work with.
Do you do fish mounts for Lake Michigan catches?
Yes, freshwater and Great Lakes fish are common requests in this part of Illinois. You can bring in the actual fish for a skin mount, or provide measurements and photos for a reproduction mount, which many anglers prefer because it lets them release the fish.
How long does a deer shoulder mount take?
Most shoulder mounts take anywhere from four to eight months depending on the shop's current workload and the time of year you drop off. Busy season runs from October through December, so expect longer timelines if you bring your deer in during peak hunting season.
What's the difference between a shoulder mount and a full body mount?
A shoulder mount captures the head, neck, and upper chest of the animal, which is the most common and affordable display option. A full body mount preserves the entire animal in a chosen pose and costs significantly more in both materials and labor.
Can you clean and mount a skull I found in the field?
Skull cleaning is a straightforward service where the taxidermist removes remaining tissue through methods like beetle cleaning or pressure washing, leaving a clean bone display. It's a popular and lower-cost alternative to a full mount, and works well for deer, hogs, and other game.
Do I need an appointment, or can I walk in?
Calling ahead is always a good idea, especially during hunting season when shops get busy fast. It gives the taxidermist time to prep paperwork and make sure they're available to go over your options without rushing through the intake process.

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