Welcome to Bourke’s Taxidermy
Generations of Craftsmanship. World-Class Quality.
Founded in 1980 by Bill Bourke, Bourke’s Taxidermy is one of Illinois’ largest taxidermy studios, built on a deep family legacy of craftsmanship and care. Bill now works alongside his son, Derek Bourke — a 3x state champion in the Masters Division — who credits his father for teaching him everything he knows. Together, they’ve earned a reputation for unmatched attention to detail, award-winning results, and a passion for preserving the stories behind every trophy.
From whitetail to turkey and big game, we specialize in lifelike, high-quality mounts that honor your hunt and stand the test of time.
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Preserving Your Hunt with Pride
One of Illinois’ Largest Taxidermy Studios
At Bourke’s Taxidermy, taxidermy is more than a service — it’s a legacy built on craftsmanship, family pride, and a lifelong dedication to the art of preserving memories. Established in 1980 by Bill Bourke, our studio has grown into one of Illinois’ largest and most respected taxidermy operations. Today, Bill continues to work side by side with his son, Derek Bourke, whose skill and artistry have earned multiple state titles, including 3x state champion in the Masters Division. Derek credits his father as his greatest mentor, having learned the craft through hands-on experience and guidance from both family and world-renowned champions in the industry.
Our full-service facility — recognized as one of the largest taxidermy studios in Illinois — includes a professionally curated showroom and a dedicated team committed to delivering high-quality, lifelike mounts. We specialize in whitetail, turkey, and big game, and we’re proud to serve hunters from across the Midwest and throughout the United States. Whether it’s a full strut turkey, a custom pedestal whitetail, or a once-in-a-lifetime bull elk, every mount is crafted with precision, passion, and a deep respect for your hunt.
Crafted for the Hunt, Built to Last
Specializing in Whitetail, Turkey & Big Game Mounts
Every trophy tells a story — and at Bourke’s Taxidermy, we’re here to preserve yours with accuracy, artistry, and pride. Whether you’re after a classic shoulder mount or a fully customized pedestal, we offer a wide range of services tailored to your animal and your vision.
Whitetail Deer Mounts
Lifelike detail and expert craftsmanship for your trophy. Choose from upright, semi-upright, sneak, full sneak, or custom poses.
Turkey Mounts
Fan, strut, or full-body mounts — we specialize in preserving turkeys with expert feather work and pose options to fit your space and style.
Big Game Mounts
From elk and moose to bear, we handle large-scale mounts with precision and experience. Wall, floor, or pedestal displays available.
Custom Pedestal Mounts
Bring your trophy to life with a personalized pedestal — base work, habitat design, and pose customization included.
Shipping & Remote Services
Not local? No problem. We offer trophy shipping options and accept out-of-state work — contact us for more info.
What Hunters Are Saying
Trusted by Sportsmen Across Illinois and Beyond
We take pride in every mount we create — and our clients feel the difference. Here’s what hunters have shared about their experience with Bourke’s Taxidermy. All reviews are pulled directly from our Google pages.
Let’s Bring Your Trophy to Life
A Legacy of Quality, A Mount You’ll Be Proud Of
At Bourke’s Taxidermy, we don’t just preserve trophies — we honor memories, milestones, and moments that matter. With over 40 years of experience, a full showroom, and a long list of awards, our family-run studio delivers quality you can trust and service you’ll appreciate.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned hunter, we’re here to make the process simple, personal, and professional.
Explore our work, read what others are saying, or get in touch to talk about your next mount.
