Murphy’s Taxidermy Service

Taxidermist in Metamora, Illinois

(815) 760-0714662 Northfork Rd, Metamora, IL 61548View on Yelp
Murphy’s Taxidermy Service - taxidermy in Metamora, IL

About Murphy’s Taxidermy Service

Murphy's Taxidermy Service operates out of Metamora, Illinois, a small town in Woodford County surrounded by prime deer and turkey hunting country. Central Illinois hunters know how productive this region is, and having a local taxidermist nearby means your trophy doesn't travel far before skilled hands start working on it. Murphy's handles the kind of work that matters to serious hunters in this part of the state. Call (815) 760-0714 to discuss your project and get a timeline estimate.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Murphy's covers the full range of taxidermy work you'd expect from a provider in deer-rich central Illinois, including shoulder mounts and full body deer mounts that capture natural posture and expression. Fish mounts are another staple, using either skin-mount or reproduction techniques depending on whether you want to release the fish or keep the original. Turkey fan mounts and bird work round out the menu, along with skull cleaning using maceration or beetle colony methods that produce clean, display-ready results. Antler mounting on custom plaques is also available for trophy bucks.

Service Area

Murphy's Taxidermy Service primarily serves hunters and anglers in Metamora and the surrounding Woodford County area. Customers also come from nearby communities including Eureka, Roanoke, and Washington. The central Illinois location makes it a reasonable drive for sportsmen throughout the greater Peoria region.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon after harvesting my deer should I bring it in?
You should get the cape to the taxidermist as quickly as possible, ideally within 24 hours if refrigerated. If you can't make it in right away, freeze the cape in a sealed bag to prevent freezer burn and hair slippage.
What's the difference between a shoulder mount and a full body mount?
A shoulder mount preserves the head, neck, and chest of the animal, which is the most popular and affordable option for deer. A full body mount includes the entire animal in a posed position and costs significantly more due to the additional materials and labor involved.
Do you offer fish reproduction mounts?
Reproduction mounts are cast from a fiberglass mold and painted to match your specific fish, which means you can release the fish alive and still get a mount. They're actually more durable over time than traditional skin mounts and are a popular choice for catch-and-release anglers.
How long does a deer mount typically take?
Most taxidermists in Illinois quote a turnaround time of six months to a year, depending on how busy the fall season is. It's normal for high-volume shops to have longer wait times, especially after a productive hunting season.
Can I bring in just the skull for cleaning?
Yes, skull cleaning is a standalone service that produces a clean, odor-free skull for display or study. Common methods include maceration, beetle colonies, or simmer cleaning, each producing slightly different results in terms of whiteness and bone preservation.
What should I do if I harvested a bird like a turkey or pheasant?
Keep the bird as intact as possible and avoid field dressing it before bringing it to the taxidermist. Wrap it gently in a plastic bag and refrigerate or freeze it without crushing the feathers, since feather condition is critical for a quality bird mount.

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