Mutchler Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Des Moines, Iowa

(515) 210-59475406 SE 30th St, Des Moines, IA 50320View on Yelp
Mutchler Taxidermy - taxidermy in Des Moines, IA

About Mutchler Taxidermy

Mutchler Taxidermy serves Des Moines, Iowa, a city surrounded by some of the best whitetail deer habitat in the entire country. Iowa consistently produces record-class bucks, and hunters from across the Midwest and beyond travel to the state specifically to pursue them. Having a quality taxidermist right in the metro area is a real advantage for Des Moines hunters who don't want to drive hours into rural Iowa to find skilled work. This studio is positioned to serve both local hunters and out-of-state clients who harvest animals in central Iowa.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Whitetail deer shoulder mounts are the bread and butter of any Iowa taxidermy studio, involving precise caping, quality hide preservation, and careful placement on anatomically correct forms to capture the muscle structure and alert posture Iowa bucks are known for. Pheasant and turkey mounts are also high-demand services in Iowa, where upland bird hunting draws serious wing shooters every fall. The studio likely handles fish mounts for clients fishing the Des Moines River and nearby lakes for walleye, bass, and pike. Skull cleaning for European-style deer displays rounds out the typical Iowa taxidermy menu.

Service Area

Mutchler Taxidermy serves Des Moines and the surrounding Polk County area, with clients coming in from Ames, Ankeny, Urbandale, and beyond. Its location in Iowa's largest metro makes it accessible to hunters throughout central Iowa, including those who harvest animals in the surrounding counties and want to avoid a long drive to a rural studio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Iowa produces some of the biggest whitetails in the country. Do you handle large-antlered bucks differently?
Large antlered bucks don't require a fundamentally different process, but they do demand more attention during caping to make sure the hide isn't damaged around the base of the antlers. A good taxidermist will also choose a form that complements the neck mass of a mature Iowa buck rather than using a generic one-size form.
When is the busiest time of year for taxidermists in Des Moines?
The November rut and Iowa's gun seasons create a big surge of drop-offs that keep studios busy well into winter and spring. If you're hunting early in the bow season, dropping off sooner gives you a better chance at a shorter turnaround.
Can you mount a pheasant from a South Dakota or Kansas trip?
Yes, most studios are happy to work with birds from out of state as long as the bird is properly preserved and transported legally. Freeze it whole in a sealed bag and bring it in as soon as you're back home.
What's the best way to cape a deer for taxidermy if I'm in the field?
Make your cut well behind the shoulders and work carefully around the face, ears, and eyes, which are the areas most prone to damage during field caping. If you're not confident doing it yourself, leave more hide than you think you need and let the taxidermist finish the job.
Do you offer any options for antlers if I don't want a full shoulder mount?
Antler mounting on a panel or plaque is a popular, less expensive alternative that still gives you a clean wall display without the full shoulder mount price tag. European skull mounts with the full skull bleached and displayed are also a strong option for hunters who want something different.
How do Des Moines taxidermy prices compare to rural Iowa studios?
Urban studios sometimes carry slightly higher overhead, but the price difference compared to rural Iowa taxidermists is usually modest when you factor in the convenience of a closer drop-off and pickup. Getting a direct quote upfront is always the best way to compare.

Is this your business?

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

Claim This Listing

More Taxidermists

All taxidermists in Des Moines, IA →All taxidermists in Iowa →Browse all states →