Muddy Creek Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Ingraham, Illinois

(618) 554-5587, Ingraham, IL 62424View on Yelp

About Muddy Creek Taxidermy

Muddy Creek Taxidermy is based in Ingraham, a small rural community in Clay County in southeastern Illinois. This part of the state is serious hunting country, with hardwood-lined creek bottoms and agricultural fields that consistently produce quality whitetail deer, turkey, and small game. A shop with a name like Muddy Creek fits right into that landscape. They're reachable at (618) 554-5587, and the rural setting means they understand what their customers are after.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Muddy Creek Taxidermy serves a clientele that's heavily focused on whitetail deer and turkey, the two dominant game species in Clay County and surrounding southeastern Illinois counties. Deer shoulder mounts with careful attention to cape preparation and form selection are a primary service. Turkey fan and full-strut mounts are common in this region, preserving the dramatic display of a mature tom. Skull cleaning, antler mounting, and small game mounts for squirrels and rabbits also fit the rural customer base that this shop is built to serve.

Service Area

Muddy Creek Taxidermy serves Ingraham and the surrounding Clay County area, along with hunters from neighboring counties including Jasper, Richland, and Edwards. The shop's location in rural southeastern Illinois makes it a natural stop for sportsmen throughout this less-populated but productive hunting region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you mount turkeys, and what options are available?
Turkey mounts are a popular request in southeastern Illinois, and the most common option is a fan mount that displays the tail, beard, and spurs on a decorative plaque. Full-strut body mounts are also available for hunters who want to display the entire bird in its natural display posture.
How do I properly cape a deer if I'm far from a taxidermist?
Make a cut behind the front legs and around the neck well behind the ears, leaving plenty of hide on the cape. Avoid cutting too close to the head, and get it cooled down quickly by skinning it away from the carcass and storing it in a cool, shaded place or on ice.
What's a reasonable deposit amount when dropping off a mount?
Most taxidermists ask for a deposit of 30 to 50 percent of the total cost at drop-off, with the balance due at pickup. This helps cover the cost of materials and holds your spot in the work queue for the season.
Can you mount small game animals like squirrels or rabbits?
Yes, small game mounts are absolutely possible and make interesting pieces, especially for young hunters marking their first harvest. The process is similar to larger mammals but requires careful handling of smaller, more delicate hides.
How should I store my deer cape if I can't drop it off right away?
If you're within a day or two of drop-off, keep the cape refrigerated and unsalted. For longer storage, lay it flat in a sealed plastic bag and freeze it, making sure there's no air trapped inside that could cause freezer burn on the hide.
Do taxidermists in rural areas charge differently than those in cities?
Rural taxidermists sometimes offer slightly lower rates due to lower overhead costs, though pricing depends heavily on the individual shop and the quality of work produced. The best approach is to call for a direct quote and compare it against the taxidermist's portfolio before committing.

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