Helmer's Taxidermy

Who We Are

In 1985 we began taxidermy and joined the Illinois Taxidermy Association.  We both love the outdoors and like to get out as much as possible.  Being located in DuQuoin, Illinois, we are surrounded by prime hunting and fishing ground.  Carmen is not one for hunting, however she does love to fish and take photos of wildlife.  I am an avid hunter and fisherman and am out whenever there is something in season, my favorite being turkey hunting; Carmen usually doesn't see much of me in the spring.  I have traveled all over the US, hunting sea ducks from off the coast of Maine, to Texas chasing Rio Grande Turkey. I always have my camera ready as well getting great reference photos that we use in the studio when creating client and show pieces.

Please take a few minutes to check out our website.  If you have any questions feel free to contact us.

- Dan Helmer

About Our Business

In 1985 we began our career in taxidermy and since then have created award winning masterpieces in waterfowl, gamehead, and fish categories.  Throughout the years we were kept up to date with current taxidermy methods by attending seminars taught by world class taxidermists.  Combining current methods and our artistic abilities, we are able to produce the most realistic and artistic pieces for our clients trophy's.

Today we are ranked with top taxidermists from around the world and compete at the state, national, and world level taxidermy shows, winning countless blue ribbons in the Master category.  We have been awarded numerous Best of Show awards and a total of twelve Wasco awards; Dan with four  and myself with eight. The Wasco award is a very coveted award given to the most artistic and anatomically correct piece in the show.

Dan and I are nationally certified judges and have judged taxidermy conventions for approximately the last fifteen years.  We have judged in several states, all the way from Wyoming to New York.  Just like those we learned from so many years ago, we now judge and give our own seminars. 

- Carmen Helmer