Murphy's Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Bushnell, Illinois

(309) 772-952318380 E 2400th St, Bushnell, IL 61422View on Yelp
Murphy's Taxidermy - taxidermy in Bushnell, IL

About Murphy's Taxidermy

Murphy's Taxidermy is based in Bushnell, a small town in McDonough County in western Illinois. This region is known for its rolling farmland, productive deer habitat, and access to river bottoms along the Spoon and La Moine Rivers. Western Illinois has a dedicated hunting culture, and a local taxidermist here serves clients who take their outdoor pursuits seriously. Murphy's is a community-rooted shop that likely handles a mix of deer, turkey, and small game work for a loyal local clientele.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Murphy's Taxidermy handles the kinds of mounts that western Illinois hunters bring in season after season. Deer shoulder mounts are the core of the business, involving precise cape preparation, tanning, and hand-finished details that bring the animal's face back to life. Turkey and pheasant work also comes through regularly in this part of the state, with bird mounting requiring careful feather setting and wiring for natural posing. Small game mounts, like squirrel and fox, round out the service list for clients who want to preserve more than just big game trophies.

Service Area

Murphy's Taxidermy serves hunters and sportsmen throughout Bushnell and McDonough County. The shop also draws clients from nearby communities like Macomb, Colchester, and Industry, covering a broad stretch of western Illinois farm country where deer and turkey hunting are central to the local culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Murphy's Taxidermy do pheasant mounts?
Western Illinois has a decent pheasant population, and bird mounts are a regular part of the work at shops like Murphy's. You'll want to bring the bird in whole, unplucked, and kept cold to preserve the feathers and skin in mountable condition.
What should I look for in a taxidermist before dropping off my trophy?
Ask to see examples of completed work, either in person or through photos. Pay attention to the eyes, ear butts, and nose detail on deer mounts since those areas reveal the most about a taxidermist's skill level. A clean, organized shop is also a good sign.
Can Murphy's handle a large buck from western Illinois farm country?
Absolutely. Western Illinois deer are known for their size, and experienced local taxidermists stock forms sized appropriately for the region's animals. Bringing accurate neck and body measurements from the field helps ensure the right form is ordered.
How long should I plan for a deer mount turnaround?
Turnaround times vary widely based on how busy the shop is. A realistic expectation for deer dropped off in November is a finished mount by the following fall, though some shops deliver faster. Always ask for an estimated completion date at drop-off.
What happens if my mount isn't done when the taxidermist quoted?
Delays are common in taxidermy, especially at busy one-person shops. The best approach is to check in politely a month or so after the original estimate and ask for an updated timeline. Most taxidermists will give you honest updates if you ask directly.
Is it worth getting a small game mount from a deer hunting trip?
Many hunters don't think about it, but a quality fox, coyote, or squirrel mount can be a conversation piece that complements bigger trophies on the wall. They're typically more affordable than deer work and give a smaller shop a chance to show off fine detail work.

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