Over all the years I've visited Ames, I've rarely travelled over to the West Side where Lincoln Way…read moresoon merges US 30. There's a now shuttered restaurant where my Sister had her rehearsal dinner and I sometimes passed Ames Surplus, which as it turns out has been folded into the 2-building complex that is called Jax Outdoor gear. The military surplus part of this store is not much more than a couple short aisles. Past that, Jax has loads of outdoor gear, fishing and hunting inventory, clothing, footwear, and even a corner for Boy and Girl scout supplies. It's all very high quality merchandise and a good value. I came in looking for some Carhartt pants, which they don't currently stock. I left very impressed and with a cool and nicely priced little Gerber knife. I found store staff to be friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. I'll be back in Ames in a few months (or so), and I'm be sure to stop in again. I'm sure there will be new stuff to admire or goods that I missed during the last visit. And there's no need to drive all the way to Des Moines.

This place is a joke! I ordered online 5 different pair of mens pants. Called their customer…read moreservice line to find out why the freight was so ridiculously high. I was told the customer pays to have them shipped to one location then pays to have them shipped to the final destination. I decided to go ahead with the purchase they were all name brand and still less than I could find online. Here is what I received later that day to my inbox. JAXOutdoorGearFarmandRanch Your order has been canceled Order was canceled because we did not have enough stock to fulfill your order and your payment has been refunded. Really, all of them! What a waste of time! Maybe Learn how online sales and inventory control works before trying to sell products online!

I might be the only person that feels this way...However I don't like hearing from the 3 older guys…read morebehind the gun counter that they all handled my firearm talking about it like a toy. My unique, high dollar purchase doesn't give you the right to touch it. Check the serial number and put it back. If it's not yours then hands off. I don't know what they've touched and I doubt they wash up. I wasn't even rude during this transaction. I said thank you and have a great day and this old guy replies "no". Unprofessional! Buy elsewhere.

I think this store is under appreciated. While the service can be slow, especially around the…read moreholidays, it is probably the best option for the serious outdoors person in my area. Good selection of inventory, good prices, and occasional sales. clothes and camping are more limited, but hunting, fishing gear is excellent.

If you need bait in the area, this is the place to go. They have everything you need for local…read morefishing. We bought leeches and caught our personal best catfish. It's a family run business out of their garage. Super friendly and I was happy to spend my money there.

From the owner: We sell live bait and strive to have what you need stocked. read more

Scam store, DO NOT place an online order with them, they will immediately deduct the money from…read moreyour checking account and then you won't hear anything. I sent 4 emails looking for an answer on where my order was, no response, I called the shop, a guy answered and said he would investigate and call me back, that was over a week ago and no answer. Spend your money elsewhere where you will receive your order.

I'm new to the Iowa area, not new too fishing. Stopped by this shop to see what they offered in way…read moreof merchandise as well as knowledge about the fishing in the area. Was really happy with the selection the pricing and all the helpful info. I'll definitely going back regularly

Hey Tom, I was at Mike Dunaway's place a couple of weeks…read moreago. Bought one of his new Destiny bows. And shot some of his four fletch arrows. I really liked the way they shot and wondered if you could make some like that? No hurry on that. As a matter of fact, I have an arrow that I kind of ruined the fletching on that I need to bring in for you to fix. I'll try to slip in some night this week and talk more about it then. Catch you later, Mark Wildin

From the owner: Traditional archery and bow hunting supplies in Des Moines; 22 yd indoor archery range.read more

This place rocks! They have everything a consumer would need from a sporting goods or athletic…read moreapparel company under their roof. This was my initial visit, and now I know why Scheels has such an excellent reputation. Customer service was great, and the inventory had a range of pricing and options. I was extremely impressed and will return.

Bought Irish Setter Vaportrek hunting boots there 3 years ago. After 3 trips in the outdoors they…read moreleaked- both boots. I wasn't standing in water- hunting pheasants in frosty then wet November grass. I have tried 3x putting reviews on their site- but my review doesn't meet their standards. And it's been a #2 review, because the boots fit better than any other boot out there, and they look great. Maybe the Scheels manager never gets to see reviews or has no idea my reviews aren't allowed- but seems they do not care. I'd go back if they'd make it good. Otherwise, it's a great sporting goods store.

Not a bad small bait shop for ottumwa. It has all the basics you would want and some extras just in…read morecase. I was happy to see they have sunfish in stock. They had frozen shad and green worms and regular night crawlers. They say they usually have minnows and other items in stock that they happen to be out of today. They had a nice selection of large treble hooks for snagging and a good selection of weights of all shapes and sizes. The pole and reel selection was good but seamed very limited. Lots of lures and other gigs ect. If I'm in the area and need bait I'll be back for sure!

We were told about this from a friend of ours, and now my husband has a new love. It's Home Depot,…read moreWalmart, Bass Pro Shop, and Tractor Supply all in one gigantic store. We didn't have time to check out all the sections, but within an hour we walked out with a hunting folding chair, chips, beer, water, Sudafed, and shoes lol. If you want to go to a store to check out furniture, fireworks, groceries, hunting/fishing gear, Chickens, or just about anything for your home this is the store for you. All it needs is a restaurant to complete it.

This is a gigantic all-purpose store that has nearly everything--gardening, home-related products,…read morefood, clothing, fishing, hunting, water sports, birding, and keys. Clean, well-laid out, and kind staff. Our quest to have keys made found our way to staffer Bruce, who was both helpful and knowledgeable. Competitive pricing and lots of sales. The large parking lot makes it easy to visit, and they were community-oriented, with a manned local youth group donation shed located outside the exit. A Fleet Farm gas station is located at competitive prices and is located between the store and Delaware Avenue.

My family came to take photos with the Easter bunny and once we walked in we were greeted by Kate…read more She asked my kids if they wanted to partake in the scavenger hunt of the month which was finding the resting white deer. It was a fun and my kids loved the experience.

This was a really neat Bass Pro Shop! They have the cozy feeling living room setting when you walk…read morein, a huge fish tank (of course!), and a very large selection of fishing lures/equipment! Also, their clothing section is rather large and had all the great prices I usually see at my local Cabela's! On top of that, they have a restaurant and bowling alley! Unfortunately we didn't have time to stop and bowl a round.

Rotary Riverwalk Park was really enjoyable to walk around during the day and the evening time…read more There is limited parking on the west side during a weekend night but pretty open during the day on Sunday. During the day, we walked over the huge Bobber statue, walked down near the dam of the river where this is a walking area. We walked the bridge both during the day and night and really enjoyed it. The bridge itself is the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge which was really cool to learn about. At night we checked out the Robert D Ray Asian Garden (parked on the street) and were able to enjoy that and the view of the river. Overall, this is a really enjoyable area to come check out. It is free and worth your time to see!

I came here for the first time last night and it is such a cute spot!…read more It's right next to the beautiful Landmark Bridge and has a giant fishing lure sculpture that has swings attached to it. One is even a safety swing for littles! Blue lighting illuminates the entire thing, making for a great spot to take pictures. There were lots of young kids and families laughing and playing together at 11:00 at night. Just another great addition to Des Moines!