Whitetail Haven Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Alden, Iowa

(402) 676-735611689 Hwy D20, Alden, IA 50006View on Yelp
Whitetail Haven Taxidermy - taxidermy in Alden, IA

About Whitetail Haven Taxidermy

Whitetail Haven Taxidermy is based in Alden, a small Iowa town in Hardin County where agriculture and deer hunting go hand in hand. The name says it all. This studio zeroes in on whitetail work, which makes sense given that central Iowa consistently produces some of the state's best trophy deer. Alden's rural setting puts it right in the thick of prime hunting land, and hunters across Hardin County appreciate having a dedicated local option without driving to a larger city.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

True to its name, Whitetail Haven Taxidermy focuses heavily on deer-related work, including shoulder mounts, European skull mounts, and antler panel displays. A shoulder mount involves fitting the preserved skin over a sculpted foam form, carefully positioning the ears, eyes, and nose for a lifelike result. European mounts, which involve cleaning and whitening the skull with antlers attached, have grown popular as a cleaner, more affordable alternative to full shoulder work. Antler-only panels are another option for hunters who want to commemorate the rack without a full mount.

Service Area

Whitetail Haven Taxidermy serves hunters in Alden and throughout Hardin County, Iowa. Customers also come from neighboring counties including Franklin, Wright, and Hamilton, making it a central option for a wide stretch of north-central Iowa farm country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a shoulder mount and a European mount for deer?
A shoulder mount preserves the deer's skin, head, and neck over a sculpted form, creating a realistic three-dimensional display. A European mount strips the skull down to clean bone, leaving just the skull and antlers for a more minimalist look that costs considerably less.
How do I cape a deer properly in the field if I want a shoulder mount?
Cut behind the front legs and around the body, then peel the hide forward toward the head rather than gutting from the chest all the way up. Leave plenty of extra hide at the brisket since most taxidermists would rather trim excess than work with a cape that's cut too short.
Does the size of the deer affect the cost of a shoulder mount?
Yes, larger deer require bigger forms and more material, which typically increases the price. A mature Iowa buck with a thick neck will cost more to mount than a smaller doe or young buck.
Can I bring in a deer that's been frozen for a few months?
Frozen specimens are generally fine as long as they were frozen quickly after harvest and haven't thawed and refrozen multiple times. When you're ready to bring it in, let the taxidermist know how it was handled so they can assess the condition of the hide.
What pose options are available for a whitetail shoulder mount?
Common poses include straight forward, slight turn to the left or right, and nose-up alert positions. Most studios offer a range of neck angles and ear positions, and looking at reference photos beforehand helps you communicate exactly what you want.
Is there a hunting season rush, and should I book in advance?
Iowa's bow and gun seasons create a significant wave of drop-offs in October through December, so studios often get backed up quickly. Calling ahead before season or dropping your specimen off early in the season can help you get a better spot in the queue.

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