TaxidermyXTaxidermist in Pleasant Plains, Illinois
Creative Whitetails Taxidermy is a taxidermy studio located in Pleasant Plains, Illinois, owned and operated by lifelong hunter Kurt Hergenrother.
The studio focuses on highly lifelike, competition-level big game work and serves hunters locally and nationwide.
You can expect personalized, professional service with clear communication throughout the mounting process.
Creative Whitetails Taxidermy primarily works on big game, including North American species and African/exotic trophies, with a strong emphasis on deer.
They offer shoulder and game-head mounts, life-size pieces, European mounts, antler mounts, and custom pedestals and habitats.
Owner Kurt has trained with “Best in World” taxidermists and applies advanced, up-to-date techniques to every mount.
The studio emphasizes lifelike anatomy, natural expression, and detailed, competition-level presentation.
They publish clear, itemized pricing, with example rates such as $1,400 for deer and antelope shoulder mounts, $2,500 for elk, set prices for European mounts, required deposits, and a 10% discount for returning game-head clients.
Typical turnaround runs about 10–12 months for early-season trophies and 12–14 months for later-season work, with an optional 45-day rush service for whitetail shoulder mounts at a 50% surcharge.
Additional options include rugs, custom bases and habitats, commercial or display-focused pieces, careful nationwide shipping and crating, African trophy import guidance, caping services, antler repair, and extra capes for clients.
Reviews consistently praise the mounts as superior, phenomenal work with special attention to detail, and many reviewers say they would not go anywhere else.
Customers describe Kurt as a great, dedicated professional who is easy to work with and highly recommended.
Reviewers note that mounts are completed in a timely manner, with no recurring complaints about reliability or delays, though the total number of reviews is limited.
Creative Whitetails Taxidermy operates in Pleasant Plains, Illinois, and serves hunters across the Midwest and nationwide through careful shipping and crating.
Contact the studio directly to discuss your trophy, confirm pricing and availability, and reserve a spot for the upcoming season.
View WebsiteCantrall Taxidermy is a taxidermy studio located in Springfield, Illinois that is family-owned and operated by local hunter and taxidermist Mike Cantrall.
Markley Taxidermy is a taxidermy studio located in Greenview, Illinois, led by full-time taxidermist Jim Markley and his family.
Whitetails& Wings Taxidermy is a taxidermy studio located in Chapin, Illinois, operating as a family-owned shop established in 2005.