Prize Catch Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Downers Grove, Illinois

(630) 605-93986760 Valley View Dr, Downers Grove, IL 60516View on Yelp

About Prize Catch Taxidermy

Prize Catch Taxidermy operates out of Downers Grove, Illinois, a well-established suburb in DuPage County with easy access from Chicago's western corridor. The name points directly at their fishing focus, which makes sense given the region's access to several DuPage River tributaries, local forest preserve lakes, and short drives to larger fishing destinations. DuPage County hunters also keep busy with deer and waterfowl seasons each year. Whether you're mounting a walleye from a trip up north or a local whitetail, this shop is positioned to handle both.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Fish mounts are clearly a priority at Prize Catch Taxidermy, covering everything from bass and walleye to pike and trout. Reproduction mounts are particularly popular for trophy fish because the fiberglass replicas hold color better over time and don't require you to keep the actual fish. The shop also handles game mounts for Illinois hunters, including deer shoulder mounts and waterfowl displays common to the Midwest region. Panel mounts and habitat scenes can add realism to any fish display, giving the finished piece a true-to-life look.

Service Area

Prize Catch Taxidermy is based in Downers Grove and serves clients across DuPage County and neighboring counties including Will, Kane, and Cook. Sportsmen from Naperville, Wheaton, Lisle, and the broader Chicago western suburbs regularly look for taxidermy services in this area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get a skin mount or reproduction mount for my trophy fish?
Reproduction mounts are generally the better long-term choice because they don't shrink, crack, or lose color the way skin mounts can over time. They also let you release the fish, which is important if you caught it in a catch-and-release area or want to practice conservation.
How do I preserve a fish before bringing it to the taxidermist?
Wrap the fish in a wet cloth or paper towels and seal it in a plastic bag, then freeze it as soon as possible. Avoid putting it directly on ice for extended periods because freezer burn can damage the scales and fins you need for a quality mount.
Can you match the original colors of my fish exactly?
Taxidermists use reference photos to get as close as possible to the original coloring, so bring in clear photos of your fish right after the catch when the colors are most vivid. Fish colors fade quickly, and photos taken immediately are your best tool for an accurate finished mount.
Do you mount waterfowl and upland birds?
Bird mounts are a common service at most Illinois taxidermists, covering ducks, geese, pheasants, and turkey. The process involves careful feather preservation and positioning, and clients typically choose between flying, standing, or feeding poses.
What size fish is worth mounting?
That's really a personal decision based on what the catch means to you. Many anglers mount their first significant catch regardless of size, while others wait for a true trophy specimen, like a 30-inch walleye or a 10-pound bass.
How much does a typical fish mount cost in the Chicago suburbs?
Pricing generally runs by the inch for fish, with skin mounts typically costing less upfront than reproductions. Expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $20 per inch depending on species and mount type, so a 24-inch bass might run $240 to $480.

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