Lakeland Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Wonder Lake, Illinois

(815) 728-70977165 Barnard Mill Rd, Wonder Lake, IL 60097View on Yelp

About Lakeland Taxidermy

Lakeland Taxidermy is located in Wonder Lake, Illinois, a small McHenry County community built around the lake it's named for. The setting isn't just scenic, it's practical. Wonder Lake and the surrounding Chain O'Lakes region produce a steady stream of bass, northern pike, and other game fish that local anglers want preserved. McHenry County is also solid whitetail deer territory, with farmland edges and timber lots that draw hunters every fall. A taxidermist based here works year-round with clients from both sides of the sporting life.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Lakeland Taxidermy's location strongly suggests a focus on freshwater fish and deer mounts, the two most common requests in McHenry County. Fish mounts for northern pike, largemouth bass, and walleye are likely staples, with options for skin mounts or fiberglass reproductions. Deer shoulder mounts involve skinning and fleshing the cape, stretching it over a commercial or custom form, and finishing with careful attention to ear positioning, lip detail, and natural eye color. Antler mounting and skull cleaning offer hunters lower-cost options that still make a strong display.

Service Area

Lakeland Taxidermy serves Wonder Lake and the surrounding McHenry County area, including communities like Johnsburg, Spring Grove, Richmond, and Woodstock. Sportsmen from throughout northern Illinois also make the drive for quality fish and game mount work in this part of the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you mount northern pike and other large freshwater fish?
Northern pike are a common request in the Wonder Lake and Chain O'Lakes area, and a good local taxidermist will have experience with them specifically. Large pike can be done as skin mounts or reproductions, and many clients opt for a reproduction to preserve the fish and avoid long-term shrinkage.
How do I take care of a deer cape in the field before drop-off?
Cape the deer as soon as possible, leaving extra skin at the brisket and behind the shoulders. Salt the inside of the cape thoroughly if you can't get to the taxidermist within 24 hours, since salt draws out moisture and slows decomposition significantly.
What poses are available for a deer shoulder mount?
Standard poses include straight ahead, semi-sneak, sneak, upright, and pedestal styles that show more of the neck and chest. Your taxidermist will have form catalogs to browse, and the right choice often depends on the wall space where you plan to hang the finished mount.
Do you work with hunters who bring in out-of-state game?
Most taxidermists are happy to work with game taken out of state as long as the animal was harvested legally and you have the proper documentation. It's worth calling ahead to confirm requirements, especially for species that may need specific transport permits.
How do I know if the price I'm quoted is fair?
Getting quotes from two or three local shops gives you a solid baseline for the area. Price varies based on form quality, finish detail, and experience level, so the cheapest quote isn't always the best value if it means cutting corners on materials.
Can you do a rug mount from a bear or other large animal?
Rug mounts are a specialized service that involves tanning the hide and finishing it with a felt backing and open-mouth head form if desired. Not every shop handles rug work, so it's worth asking directly whether they do it in-house or send the hide out to a tannery.

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