Tom's Wildlife Art & Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Plainfield, Illinois

5(1 reviews)
(815) 210-88441902 Havenhill Dr, Plainfield, IL 60586View on Yelp
Tom's Wildlife Art & Taxidermy - taxidermy in Plainfield, IL

Customer Reviews

5
out of 5
1 reviews

Based on Yelp ratings

Read reviews on Yelp

About Tom's Wildlife Art & Taxidermy

Tom's Wildlife Art & Taxidermy brings a true artistic approach to preservation work in Plainfield, Illinois, a community surrounded by quality hunting land in Will County. With a perfect 5-star rating, this studio treats every mount as a one-of-a-kind piece rather than a production job. Plainfield sits in prime whitetail deer territory, making local taxidermists especially valuable to hunters who want their trophies handled close to home. Working with someone nearby means faster drop-off, easier communication, and a taxidermist who understands the regional wildlife firsthand.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Trophy deer mounts are a core offering here, covering everything from European skull mounts to full shoulder mounts with custom habitat bases. Fish taxidermy is also likely available, using either skin mounts or reproduction casts depending on the species and the customer's preference. Bird mounts, including turkey fans and full-body waterfowl displays, require careful feather preservation and precise positioning. Antler mounting and skull cleaning round out the typical menu, giving hunters multiple ways to memorialize a successful season without needing to visit multiple shops.

Service Area

Tom's Wildlife Art & Taxidermy is based in Plainfield, Illinois, and serves hunters and anglers throughout Will County and the surrounding suburbs. Customers from nearby communities like Joliet, Naperville, and Bolingbrook regularly use local studios like this one to avoid shipping specimens long distances.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a deer shoulder mount typically take in Illinois?
Most deer shoulder mounts take six months to a year, depending on the studio's current workload. Fall and early winter are the busiest periods, so pieces dropped off during hunting season may take longer than those brought in during spring or summer.
Can I bring in a specimen that's been frozen?
Yes, frozen specimens are generally fine as long as they were frozen quickly after harvest and haven't been thawed and refrozen multiple times. It's a good idea to call ahead so the taxidermist can advise you on proper wrapping and storage before your appointment.
What's the difference between a European mount and a shoulder mount?
A European mount displays only the cleaned skull and antlers, while a shoulder mount includes the head, neck, and a portion of the shoulders preserved with the hide intact. European mounts are typically less expensive and have a clean, modern look that works well in many home settings.
Do you handle fish taxidermy for catches from Illinois lakes?
Local taxidermists in the Plainfield area regularly work with species common to Illinois waterways, including bass, walleye, pike, and catfish. Reproduction mounts are often recommended for catch-and-release fish, since they can be done from measurements and photos without keeping the fish.
How should I care for a finished mount at home?
Keep mounts out of direct sunlight and away from high-humidity areas like bathrooms or unfinished basements. Dusting gently with a soft brush or compressed air a few times a year is usually all the maintenance a quality mount needs.
Is a deposit required when I drop off my specimen?
Most taxidermists require a deposit, often around 50% of the total cost, at the time of drop-off. This helps cover material costs and confirms your commitment to picking up the finished piece when it's complete.

Is this your business?

Claim your listing to update your info and connect with customers.

Claim This Listing

More Taxidermists

All taxidermists in Plainfield, IL →All taxidermists in Illinois →Browse all states →