Ed's Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Waterloo, Iowa

(866) 814-4761441 N Canfield Rd, Waterloo, IA 50703View on Yelp

About Ed's Taxidermy

Ed's Taxidermy is located in Waterloo, Iowa, one of the larger cities in the Cedar Valley region and a hub for hunters and anglers across Black Hawk County. Waterloo's size means a taxidermist here serves a broad customer base, from local deer hunters to sport fishermen working the Cedar River and nearby lakes. It's also well positioned for customers coming in from smaller surrounding communities who want to work with a local provider rather than shipping specimens out of state. Call (866) 814-4761 to discuss your project before your next season.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Ed's Taxidermy offers the kind of full-service work that hunters and anglers in the Waterloo area need year-round. Whitetail deer shoulder mounts are the bread and butter of any Iowa taxidermy shop, and Ed's handles the complete process from skinning and fleshing to form mounting and finishing. Fish mounts for species common to the Cedar River, including walleye, channel catfish, and bass, are another likely offering. Bird work, including pheasant and wild turkey, rounds out the typical menu for upland hunters in Black Hawk and surrounding counties.

Service Area

Ed's Taxidermy serves Waterloo and the surrounding Black Hawk County area, including nearby communities like Cedar Falls, Evansdale, and Hudson. Customers from throughout the Cedar Valley regularly make the drive to Waterloo for taxidermy services. The shop's location makes it accessible from several smaller counties to the north and east as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to care for my deer cape before bringing it to a taxidermist?
Keep it cold, and get it to the taxidermist as fast as you reasonably can. If you're more than a day away from dropping it off, fold the cape hair-side out and freeze it in a sealed bag. Avoid leaving the cape in a warm truck bed or garage, since bacteria work quickly and can cause hair loss that ruins the mount.
Does Ed's Taxidermy work with fish from the Cedar River?
The Cedar River runs right through the Waterloo area and is a popular spot for walleye, catfish, and other species, so fish mounts are a natural part of the workload for a Waterloo taxidermist. Calling ahead to confirm the shop's current fish mount availability and pricing is a good first step. Reproduction mounts are also an option if you want to release the fish after catching it.
How do I know what size form to use for my deer shoulder mount?
Your taxidermist will handle the form selection based on measurements taken from your deer's cape and skull. The neck circumference, nose-to-eye distance, and head length are the key measurements that determine which commercial form fits best. You don't need to worry about this yourself since it's part of the technical work the taxidermist does during the mounting process.
Can I request a specific pose or expression for my deer mount?
Yes, most taxidermists offer a range of standard poses including straight ahead, turned left or right, and upward or downward looking angles. You can bring reference photos of poses you like to help communicate what you're after. Your taxidermist will let you know which poses are most compatible with your deer's antler configuration and cape condition.
Is it worth getting a mount for a smaller deer or just an average catch?
That's entirely a personal decision, and there's no wrong answer. Many hunters choose to mount their first deer regardless of size because of the personal significance, and plenty of anglers mount fish that represent a memorable trip rather than a record weight. A mount is a permanent keepsake, so the sentimental value often matters more than the trophy score.
How should I store my finished mount at home to keep it looking good?
Keep your mount away from direct sunlight, which fades hair and skin over time, and avoid high-humidity areas like bathrooms or unfinished basements. Dust it occasionally with a soft brush or low-pressure air. A stable indoor environment with moderate humidity is the best long-term storage condition for any taxidermy piece.

Is this your business?

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

Claim This Listing

More Taxidermists

All taxidermists in Waterloo, IA →All taxidermists in Iowa →Browse all states →