Deer Processors/Taxidermist?
Iowa
Hopefully I'm making my first trip to Iowa this fall in the northeast part of the state. Given that I am out of state, I will need the deer deboned, fully caped, and the skull boiled to met the various CWD transport laws in the states on the way back home.
Do you know any deer processor that can do all of this in Iowa? Thanks Mark
Most of the processors here in NE Iowa have quit taking deer due to CWD issues. An exception may still be the Edgewood Locker. Very large and professional operation.
I've begin to think a great deal about what % of hunters have the ability to completely cape out a deer? (were talking about a total separation of the cape from the skull here) I don't know but one from where I'm from; but with the laws being what they are for legal interstate transport...... I'm beginning to wonder how people hunt other states without this skill? It seems harder and harder to find a place that can both process the meat and prepare the skull for legal transport. I've given thought about using a processor that capes for mounts (a little more common) then taking the head to a taxidermist. The issue with that approach is time. Vacations are short and taxidermist are usually backed up. Any ideas?
I think a lot of guys are afraid to cape their deer, in fear that they will mess it up. It’s not that difficult to do yourself. Lots of YouTube tutorials out there to learn how to do it. You don’t have to learn how to turn the ears, etc, or flesh the cape. Your taxidermist can do all of that once you get it to him. Same with taking care of the meat. Pretty simple to at least bone it out yourself, and then put it in ziplocs and ice chests/freezer (if available) until your trip home. Capping and cleaning the skull for transport is a little messier, but not difficult, either. You mentioned caping the deer, so I’m assuming a shoulder mount and not a euro?
Thanks for the reply t-roy! Really the deboning of a deer isn't an issue with me...likely have done over 200 that way for the most part. Its the caping aspect (shoulder mount) and skull out and treatment) that worries me.
The processor/caping arrangement works well for me as often I'm staying somewhere where hanging and processing the deer isn't an option (ie hotels, vacation rentals, etc) Most places that I go I've been able to find some arrangement that always work...but its difficult in Iowa. I do have the one option of a place in Fort Madison that can do it all if they do what they say they can do. Its a four hour trip from where I'm hunting but if that's my only option...an 8 hour round trip will be what I do.
Kind of an unexpected development is because I have a VRBO property planned right across the river at Lansing, if I harvest an Iowa deer (albeit legally taken and tagged) the deer can't been brought back into Iowa (according to the local LEO) if I shoot one in Iowa late in an afternoon and take it into Wisconsin to spend the night. That means sleeping in the truck that night. I'm not complaining as I will be happy to get to hunt Iowa. It's just pre-planning helps determine the small....but important details.
Too bad you’re about 4 hrs from me, as well. I’m about an hour NW of DSM. I’d be happy to help you out with a place to hang, skin, cut it up, and even freeze it. I’d even cape it for you. Maybe another bowsiter up in NE Iowa will see this and offer to help you out. The bad thing is, the Iowa forum is crickets most of the time.
It's a long time until this fall....also a bit presumptive of me. Might not even see a deer; much less shoot one:) Still, the planning and contingencies need to be known in advance. I appreciate your willingness to help. Like you said, maybe I can get some assistance closer to Lansing.
In kind of an interesting side note; Wisconsin allows you to legally bring an out of state deer into the state as long as you have it to a processor/taxidermist within 72 hours. I think I have found something about 2 hrs away to the north in Wisconsin. I just hate to have the delivery and the pickup (on the final day) going in the wrong direction from home.
