Sam Ames Shuttle

Taxidermist in Ames, Iowa

(515) 291-4904224 Hayward Ave, Ames, IA 50014View on Yelp

About Sam Ames Shuttle

Sam Ames Shuttle operates in Ames, Iowa, a city best known as home to Iowa State University but also surrounded by productive hunting and fishing country in Story County. The Skunk River and Squaw Creek area nearby attract anglers, while deer and pheasant hunting draw hunters from across central Iowa. Having a local taxidermy option in a college town like Ames means serving a mix of longtime hunters, students discovering the sport, and faculty or staff who collect natural specimens. It's a diverse customer base in a busy central Iowa hub.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Sam Ames Shuttle provides taxidermy services covering the core needs of Iowa hunters and anglers. Deer shoulder mounts are a natural fit given Story County's strong whitetail population each season. Fish mounting for species like bass, walleye, and catfish pulled from central Iowa waters is another practical service for area anglers. The Ames location also makes it convenient for Iowa State researchers, biology departments, or natural history collectors who need professional specimen preparation or habitat display work.

Service Area

Sam Ames Shuttle serves customers in Ames and throughout Story County, Iowa. The central location makes it accessible to hunters and anglers from Boone, Nevada, and other surrounding towns within a reasonable drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Iowa State University students or researchers use taxidermy services for academic projects?
Yes, taxidermists in Ames are familiar with requests from the university community for specimen mounts, educational displays, and natural history work. It's best to call ahead and explain the nature of the project so the studio can advise on the best approach.
What fish species are most commonly mounted in central Iowa?
Walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike, and catfish are among the most popular species brought in for mounting in the central Iowa region. Channel catfish from local rivers and reservoirs are a frequent request from anglers fishing Story and Boone County waters.
How should I transport a deer cape from a rural hunting area to an Ames taxidermist?
Keep the cape on ice in a cooler or refrigerate it if the drive is short. If you're more than an hour away, pack ice generously around the cape and avoid letting it sit in direct sunlight or a warm vehicle for extended periods.
Are reproduction fish mounts as realistic-looking as skin mounts?
Modern reproduction mounts are extremely realistic and in many cases look better long-term because they don't shrink, fade, or lose detail the way natural skin can. They're also a great option for catch-and-release anglers who don't want to harvest the fish.
What's the average cost range for a standard deer shoulder mount in Iowa?
Pricing varies by studio and level of detail, but most Iowa taxidermists charge somewhere between $400 and $700 for a standard whitetail shoulder mount. Custom poses, premium forms, or rush timelines may push the price higher.
Do I need a special permit to have a wild bird mounted in Iowa?
Migratory birds like ducks, geese, and doves are regulated under federal law, and you'll need to show valid hunting licenses and tags when dropping them off. Non-migratory upland birds like pheasant and turkey are subject to state regulations, so keeping your harvest tags is always a good idea.

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