Master the Art of Taxidermy: How to Create a Stunning DIY Turkey Fan Mount

Are you an avid hunter or someone who simply appreciates the beauty of a wild turkey? If so, you may have considered mounting a turkey fan as a lasting memento of your hunting experience. While there are many options for purchasing pre-made mounts, there is something special about creating your own DIY turkey fan mount. Not only does it save you money, but it allows you to showcase your unique style and creativity. In this article, we will delve into the world of do-it-yourself turkey fan mounts and provide step-by-step instructions on how to create a professional-looking display that you can proudly hang on your wall. So grab your supplies and get ready to preserve your hunting memories in a one-of-a-kind way.

Benefits of Doing a Turkey Fan Mount on Your Own

Mounting a turkey fan is the perfect way to preserve the memory of a successful hunt. Not only does it serve as a reminder of your achievement, but it also adds a touch of rustic charm to your home or hunting cabin. While some may opt to have their turkey fan mounted professionally, there are several benefits to doing it yourself.

Firstly, DIY turkey fan mounts can be highly cost-effective. If you already have the necessary materials and tools at hand, you can save money by not paying for professional services. Additionally, buying materials in bulk can save you even more in the long run if you plan on mounting multiple turkey fans.

Moreover, doing a turkey fan mount on your own provides a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. As hunters, we often take pride in our wild game harvests and being able to complete the entire process from field to wall display adds an extra layer of pride and satisfaction.

DIY turkey fan mounts also allow for personalization and creativity. You can choose specific materials that suit your aesthetic preferences and add your own personal touch during the mounting process. This freedom allows for unique displays that truly showcase your hunting experience.

Another advantage of DIY turkey fan mounts is the flexibility it offers with time management. As hunters, we all know that finding time during peak hunting season can be difficult amid other responsibilities. However, by opting for a DIY mount, you can work on it during your free time without being constrained by specific scheduling appointments with professional taxidermists.

Lastly, learning how to properly mount a turkey fan can be a valuable skill that you can continue to use in future hunting trips or even pass down to other hunters in your family. It also allows for experimentation and honing new skills while preserving lasting memories.

Materials Needed for A DIY Turkey Fan Mount

Before embarking on any DIY project, it is crucial to have all the necessary materials at hand. For a turkey fan mount, you will need:

1. Turkey fan (harvested from a successful hunt)
2. Cardboard sheet (for making a template)
3. Measuring tape
4. Scissors
5. Knife
6. Hot glue gun and glue sticks
7. Wood board or plaque
8. Hooks or picture hangers (for wall mounting)
9. Varnish or sealant (optional)

While these are the basic materials needed for a turkey fan mount, you may also choose to add other embellishments such as feathers, antlers, or other decorative items to make your display unique.

Step-by-Step Guide on Mounting A Turkey Fan on A Plaque

Once you have gathered all the necessary materials, follow these steps to create your own DIY turkey fan mount:

1. Start by creating a template for your fan using the cardboard sheet. Measure and cut out a triangle shape that is slightly larger than the base of your fan – this will serve as a guide for trimming.

2. Place the template on top of your turkey fan and use it as a guide to trim any excess tissue from around the base of the feathers.

3. Once you have trimmed the fan’s base, use hot glue to secure any loose feathers in place.

4. Measure and mark the center of your plaque or wooden board where you want to place your turkey fan.

5. Using a hot glue gun, apply a generous amount of glue onto the marked area and quickly press the trimmed base of your fan onto it until it is firmly attached.

6. To add extra support, you can also use small nails or screws through the base of the plaque into the back of your turkey fan.

7.Randomly arrange additional decorative items such as feathers around your mounted turkey fan and secure them in place using hot glue.

8. If desired, coat your turkey fan with a sealant or varnish to preserve it for long-term display.

9. Using the hooks or picture hangers, attach them to the back of the plaque for mounting onto your wall.

Tips for A Successful Turkey Fan Mount on Your First Try

1. Make sure to properly clean and dry your turkey fan before starting the mounting process to prevent any bacteria or odors from developing.

2. Use quality materials such as a sturdy wooden board and hot glue to ensure your fan is well supported and secured in place.

3. Be patient and take your time to trim and arrange the feathers into a pleasing display.

4. To add extra texture and dimension, you can use additional colored feathers, antlers, or other decorative items.

5. Research different mounting techniques and styles for inspiration before starting your DIY project – this can help you create a unique design that suits your personal taste.

6. Have a designated workspace with good lighting to allow yourself enough room to work on your mount comfortably.

Mounting a turkey fan can be an enjoyable experience that allows you to preserve cherished memories while showcasing your hunting skills in a meaningful way. With the right

The Beauty of a Do It Yourself Turkey Fan Mount

Turkey hunting is a treasured tradition for many hunting enthusiasts, and every successful hunt deserves to be commemorated and displayed with pride. One of the most popular ways to display a turkey kill is through a fan mount. A fan mount involves preserving the fan feathers of your kill in a decorative and eye-catching display that can be hung on your wall for all to see. While professional taxidermy services are available for this task, many hunters prefer to take on the challenge themselves through a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach. In this article, we will explore the beauty of a DIY turkey fan mount and why it has become increasingly popular in recent years.

The Rise of DIY Turkey Fan Mounts

Traditionally, hunters would take their trophy turkeys to taxidermists for preservation and mounting. However, with the surge of social media and the explosion of hunting culture in recent years, more and more hunters are embracing the DIY craze. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube have become hubs for hunters to showcase their skills and share tips on how to achieve the perfect DIY turkey fan mount. This has fueled an increase in interest in taking on this task rather than relying on professional taxidermist services.

The Advantages of a DIY Turkey Fan Mount

There are several advantages to taking on a DIY turkey fan mount rather than opting for professional services:

1. Cost
One of the primary reasons why many hunters choose to take on this task themselves is because it can save them a significant amount of money compared to hiring professional services. Taxidermists typically charge hundreds or even thousands of dollars for preserving and mounting a turkey fan, depending on the type and complexity of the display. By doing it yourself, you can save a significant amount while still achieving a professional-looking result.

2. Flexibility and Customization
With a DIY turkey fan mount, you have the freedom to customize your display according to your preferences. This could mean incorporating other elements such as beard spurs, leg spurs, or even adding unique touches like camouflage backing or personalized plaques. You can also choose the size and shape of the display, giving you more control over how your kill is presented.

3. Personal Satisfaction
Taking on the challenge of a DIY turkey fan mount can give hunters a sense of personal satisfaction and accomplishment. It allows you to take full ownership of preserving and displaying your trophy kill, adding an extra personal touch to your hunting experience.

The Process of Creating a DIY Turkey Fan Mount

So, what does it take to create the perfect DIY turkey fan mount? Here is a general overview of the process involved:

1. Preparing the Fan
The first step in creating a DIY turkey fan mount is preparing your fan feathers for preservation. This involves drying out the feathers by laying them flat on a dry surface or placing them in a plastic bag with some salt for several days.

2. Preserving and Mounting
Next, you will need to preserve and mount the feathers using either borax or salting methods. Both methods involve coating the base of the feathers with borax or salt and pressing them into position while they dry.

3. Creating Backing Material
You will then need to create backing material for your display using materials like foam board, wood, or even old barn wood for a rustic look. This will serve as the base for attaching your preserved feather fan.

4. Attaching Feathers to Backing
Once your backing material is ready, carefully attach your preserved feather fan using glue or tacks in a desired fanning arrangement. You may also incorporate additional elements like legs or spurs at this stage.

5. Adding Personal Touches
Finally, you can add any personal touches to your display, such as painting or staining the backing material, adding a plaque, or incorporating any other desired elements for a unique and personalized touch.

Creating a DIY turkey fan mount can be a challenging but rewarding experience for any hunting enthusiast. Not only does it save you money, but it also allows for customization and a sense of personal satisfaction in preserving and displaying your trophy kill. So why not take on the challenge and create a beautiful DIY turkey fan mount for your next successful turkey hunt?

1. What is a do-it-yourself turkey fan mount?
A do-it-yourself turkey fan mount is a way to display and preserve the tail feathers of a harvested turkey in a mounted position, without having to hire a professional taxidermist.

2. How difficult is it to create a DIY turkey fan mount?
Creating a DIY turkey fan mount can range from easy to moderate difficulty, depending on your skill level and the materials you have on hand. With proper instructions and tools, anyone can successfully create their own mount.

3. What materials will I need for a DIY turkey fan mount?
You will need a wood plaque, turkey tail feathers, glue or epoxy, wire or string, and optional embellishments such as paint or fabric for covering the plaque.

4. Can I use any type of wood plaque for my DIY turkey fan mount?
Yes, you can use any type of wood plaque as long as it is large enough to fit your desired fan arrangement and sturdy enough to hold the weight of the feathers.

5. How should I arrange the tail feathers for my mount?
Arrange the tail feathers in an attractive fanned-out shape by starting with the longest feather in the center and angling out towards the shorter ones on each side. You can also play with different arrangements until you find one that you like.

6. Is there any special care needed for my finished turkey fan mount?
It’s important to keep your mounted fan away from direct sunlight and high humidity to prevent fading and molding. Gently dusting it with a soft cloth every now and then will help maintain its appearance.

In conclusion, the Do It Yourself Turkey Fan Mount is a popular and cost-effective method for preserving and displaying a turkey fan. It allows hunters to easily showcase their prized trophy without having to spend money on a professional taxidermist. This DIY method also adds a personal touch to the display, making it more meaningful for the hunter.

The process of creating a turkey fan mount is relatively simple and requires minimal materials and tools. However, it does require careful handling of the fan and attention to detail in order to achieve a professional-looking result. By following the steps outlined in this guide, hunters can successfully create their own turkey fan mount with ease.

Aside from its practical benefits, creating a DIY turkey fan mount can also be a rewarding experience. It allows hunters to bond with friends or family members as they work together on the project. Additionally, it can serve as a reminder of the hunt and act as a conversation starter for future hunting stories.

One important aspect to consider when creating a DIY turkey fan mount is ensuring ethical hunting practices are followed. This includes only taking what is needed and respecting regulations and limits set by local authorities. As hunters, we have a responsibility to preserve our natural resources and show respect towards the animals we pursue.

Overall, the Do It Yourself Turkey Fan Mount is