Wild Art Taxidermy Studio

Taxidermist in Boone, Iowa

(515) 231-8308781 B Ave, Boone, IA 50036View on Yelp

About Wild Art Taxidermy Studio

Wild Art Taxidermy Studio is located in Boone, Iowa, a city in central Iowa with easy access to both the Boone River and the Des Moines River valleys, two corridors known for strong whitetail deer populations and diverse fish species. Boone County's mix of timber, agriculture, and river habitat creates a steady stream of hunting and fishing trophies worth preserving. The name Wild Art suggests a studio-style approach that treats each mount as a piece of craft, not just a processing job. For hunters and anglers in central Iowa looking for quality work, this shop is worth a call.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Wild Art Taxidermy Studio likely offers a full range of services suited to central Iowa's hunting and fishing culture. Deer shoulder mounts are the core of most Iowa taxidermy work, with the studio approach emphasizing natural positioning and accurate eye and skin detail. Fish mounts from the Boone River and surrounding central Iowa lakes, including walleye, bass, and northern pike, are a natural fit for a shop in this location. Bird work, including turkey and pheasant mounts, rounds out the species list, and habitat-style displays or custom panel work may be available for customers who want something beyond a standard wall mount.

Service Area

Wild Art Taxidermy Studio serves Boone and the surrounding communities of Boone County, including Ogden, Madrid, and Ames to the east. Central Iowa hunters and anglers from Story County and surrounding areas will find the shop's location convenient. It's an easy drive from much of the greater Des Moines region's northern suburbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a studio-style taxidermist do differently than a standard shop?
A studio-focused taxidermist tends to emphasize artistic detail, including realistic skin texture, natural eye placement, and accurate muscle definition in the finished mount. The result is a piece that looks alive rather than simply preserved, which makes a noticeable difference when you're living with it on the wall for decades.
Can Wild Art Taxidermy Studio create a habitat-style display for my mount?
Habitat displays incorporate natural elements like rocks, vegetation, and wood into the base or background of a mount to create a scene rather than just a trophy. These custom displays take more time and cost more than standard mounts, but they're a stunning way to display a significant animal.
Are reproduction fish mounts as realistic as skin mounts?
Modern reproduction mounts are extremely realistic and are actually preferred by many experienced anglers and taxidermists. They're painted to match photos of your exact fish, they don't fade or shrink over time, and they allow you to release the fish if you choose.
What's the best way to photograph my fish before releasing it for a replica mount?
Take multiple photos in good natural light from both sides, capturing the full color and markings of the fish while it's still wet and fresh. Your taxidermist uses these photos along with the exact measurements to paint the reproduction, so the more detail you capture, the better the final result.
Does the taxidermist need the full deer or just the cape and skull?
For a shoulder mount, you only need the cape, which is the hide from the shoulders forward, and the skull with antlers attached. You don't need to bring the entire animal, so cape your deer properly in the field to avoid unnecessary transport.
How should I store a finished mount long-term to keep it looking good?
Keep mounts away from direct sunlight, which fades the hair and paint over time, and avoid high-humidity areas that can cause mold or skin degradation. Dusting occasionally with a soft brush or low-suction vacuum keeps the hair or feathers looking clean without damaging the surface.

Is this your business?

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

Claim This Listing

More Taxidermists

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