Keith's Custom Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Wauconda, Illinois

4.5(6 reviews)
(847) 487-43001001 N Old Rand Rd, Ste 115, Wauconda, IL 60084View on Yelp

Customer Reviews

4.5
out of 5
6 reviews

Based on Yelp ratings

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About Keith's Custom Taxidermy

Keith's Custom Taxidermy has earned a 4.5-star rating across six reviews in Wauconda, Illinois, a strong indicator of consistent quality in a craft where results are easy to judge. Wauconda sits in Lake County, surrounded by dozens of lakes and within easy reach of the Des Plaines River and Chain O'Lakes system, giving local taxidermists a steady stream of diverse specimens. Hunters pursuing whitetail deer in the nearby Volo Bog and Moraine Hills areas also make Lake County a productive region for taxidermy demand. The custom focus in this studio's name signals an approach that prioritizes individual results over volume.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Custom work here likely means everything from standard deer shoulder mounts to full-body displays with detailed habitat bases, driftwood, and natural materials. Fish mounts covering the bass, pike, and panfish species common to Lake County's many inland lakes are a probable specialty. Bird taxidermy, from pheasant to turkey to waterfowl, involves careful feather alignment and custom bases that reflect how the bird was taken. Antler mounting and European skull cleaning offer lower-cost alternatives that still create a meaningful display piece.

Service Area

Keith's Custom Taxidermy is located in Wauconda and serves hunters and anglers throughout Lake County, Illinois. Nearby communities like Gurnee, Libertyville, Lake Zurich, and Barrington are all within easy driving distance for customers looking for quality custom work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'custom' taxidermy mean compared to standard mounts?
Custom taxidermy means the pose, habitat, and finishing details are tailored specifically to your specimen and your preferences rather than pulled from a standard catalog. This can include unique poses, hand-painted details, and custom bases that reflect where or how the animal was taken.
Can I request a specific pose for my deer mount?
Yes, most custom taxidermists will work with you to choose from a range of poses, from alert and upright to more aggressive or relaxed positions. Bringing reference photos of the pose you have in mind makes the conversation easier and helps ensure the finished mount matches your vision.
How many reviews does Keith's Custom Taxidermy have, and is that enough to judge quality?
Keith's has six reviews with a 4.5-star average, which is a solid track record for a specialty trade like taxidermy. In a craft where most customers only need a mount once every few years, six verified reviews represent a meaningful number of satisfied clients.
Do you work with specimens taken from Lake County's inland lakes?
Wauconda is surrounded by lakes like Bangs Lake and Petite Lake, and taxidermists in this area regularly handle bass, crappie, pike, and other local species. If you've pulled a trophy out of any Lake County water, a local studio is likely familiar with the exact species and its coloring.
Can a taxidermist help me display antlers I've been storing for years?
Yes, many taxidermists offer antler mounting and refinishing services for older sets that have been sitting in storage. They can clean, treat, and mount them on a finished plaque or panel so your old trophies finally get the display they deserve.
What should I do with a bird immediately after harvest to prepare it for mounting?
Fold the wings gently against the body, wrap the bird loosely in paper towels to absorb moisture, and place it in a plastic bag before freezing. Avoid wrapping too tightly, since damaged feathers are one of the most common problems taxidermists have to work around.

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