River Rats Art & Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Liverpool, Illinois

(309) 668-2550115 Exchange St, Liverpool, IL 61543View on Yelp

About River Rats Art & Taxidermy

River Rats Art and Taxidermy operates out of Liverpool, Illinois, a small Illinois River town in Fulton County where fishing and hunting are woven into daily life. The name reflects the community's deep connection to the river, and that identity carries into the studio's work. Liverpool sits along one of Illinois' most productive stretches of river bottom, drawing duck hunters, catfish anglers, and deer hunters from across the region. This studio brings both artistic sensibility and practical field knowledge to every project.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Given the studio's location along the Illinois River, fish and waterfowl mounts are a natural specialty alongside traditional whitetail work. Fish mounts for species like catfish, sauger, and largemouth bass involve careful skin preparation or fiberglass reproduction casting to capture accurate body shape and coloring. Duck and goose mounts include full body poses with natural feather positioning, often completed with habitat bases featuring marsh grasses or driftwood. Deer shoulder mounts, antler panels, and full body deer mounts round out the core offerings.

Service Area

River Rats Art and Taxidermy is located in Liverpool, Illinois, and draws customers from across Fulton County and neighboring counties along the Illinois River. Hunters and anglers from Canton, Havana, and Beardstown find the studio a convenient stop given its river corridor location. The studio's name is fitting, it's built for the people who spend their seasons on and around this stretch of the Illinois River.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you mount waterfowl like ducks and geese?
Yes, waterfowl mounts are a specialty for studios in the Illinois River corridor where duck hunting is a major seasonal activity. Full body mounts with custom habitat bases are a popular choice for preserving a memorable bird or a particularly fine greenhead mallard.
What's the best way to preserve a duck for mounting?
Don't gut or field dress the bird, and avoid wrapping it tightly in a way that crushes or bends the feathers. Place it in a plastic bag as soon as possible and freeze it until you can get it to the taxidermist.
Can you do habitat displays for mounted animals?
Habitat displays add natural elements like driftwood, cattails, rock formations, or marsh grasses to create a scene around the mounted animal. These displays are popular for waterfowl, fish, and small game mounts, and pricing varies based on the complexity of the scene.
Do you offer artwork alongside taxidermy work?
The studio's name hints at an artistic side, and some taxidermists who blend art with their craft offer wildlife paintings, custom bases, or decorative elements as part of or separate from mount projects. It's worth asking when you call about what artistic options they offer.
What's the difference between a skin mount and a reproduction for fish?
A skin mount uses the actual fish's skin stretched over a form, while a reproduction is a painted fiberglass cast that replicates the fish's shape and color. Reproductions are generally preferred for their durability and color retention, and they're the only option for catch-and-release fish.
How do I know if a taxidermist is right for my project?
Asking to see photos of previous work in the same species you're mounting is the most reliable way to evaluate quality. A taxidermist with specific experience in the type of animal you're bringing in will almost always produce better results than one who handles it rarely.

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