Mastering the Art of Mounting a Turkey Fan: The Ultimate Guide

Turkey hunting is a popular outdoor activity enjoyed by many, and for good reason. The thrill of the hunt combined with the rewards of a delicious meal can make for an unforgettable experience. However, once you have successfully bagged your turkey, the work is not over yet. One important step in preserving your hard-earned trophy is properly mounting its fan. But how exactly do you mount a turkey fan? In this article, we will explore different methods and tips to help you achieve a beautiful and lasting display that you can be proud of. So grab your tools and let’s get started on this exciting journey.

The Importance of Mounting a Turkey Fan

When it comes to turkey hunting, many hunters take great pride in harvesting a mature turkey. Once they have successfully harvested a turkey, many hunters choose to memorialize their accomplishment by mounting the fan of the turkey. Not only does this serve as a keepsake, but it also provides an opportunity to decorate your home with a natural piece of art. However, it is crucial to properly mount a turkey fan in order for it to last and maintain its beauty over time.

Mounting a turkey fan is not just about aesthetics, but also serves as an important part of the hunting tradition. It allows you to showcase your success and honor the animal that was harvested. Many hunting experts argue that taking care of the bird post-harvest is just as important as properly executing the hunt itself. By taking the time and effort to mount your turkey fan correctly, you are showing respect for the animal and preserving its memory for years to come.

Materials Needed for Mounting a Turkey Fan

Before beginning the process of mounting a turkey fan, it is important to gather all necessary materials. The first item needed is obviously the fan itself, which should be taken care of immediately after harvesting your bird. Ensure that it is clean and free from any damage before proceeding with the mounting process.

Aside from the fan itself, you will need certain materials such as sharp knives or scissors, borax powder or salt, glue (such as Super Glue or Epoxy), cardboard cutouts for shaping, pins or toothpicks, and cotton balls or tissues.

Step-by-Step Guide: Mounting A Turkey Fan

Now that we have gathered all necessary materials, let us dive into the step-by-step guide on how to properly mount a turkey fan:

1. Remove The Fan From The Bird – Start by removing the tail fan from the harvested turkey. Be sure to keep the feathers intact and avoid damaging them.

2. Remove Excess Flesh – Using a sharp knife or scissors, carefully remove any excess flesh or tissue from the base of the fan. This will help prevent any rotting or unpleasant odors.

3. Salt or Borax – Sprinkle either salt or borax powder onto the areas where flesh was removed. This will help to dry out any remaining moisture and preserve the feathers.

4. Shape The Fan – Use cardboard cutouts to shape and position your fan in a spread-open position. Secure with pins or toothpicks if needed.

5. Glue The Feathers – Starting from the center of the fan, apply glue (Super Glue or Epoxy) to each feather and press them firmly into place. Be sure to apply glue to both sides of each feather for best results.

6. Secure With Cotton Balls or Tissues – Once all feathers are securely glued, place cotton balls or tissues between each feather to provide additional support while drying.

7. Allow Time For Drying – Depending on the type of glue used and the humidity levels in your area, it may take anywhere from 24-48 hours for your turkey fan to completely dry and set in place.

8. Remove Cotton Balls/Tissues – After allowing enough time for drying, gently remove the cotton balls/tissues from between each feather.

9. Trim Edges – Use sharp scissors to trim any excess glue residue along the edges of the feathers.

10 . Display Your Mounted Turkey Fan – Once fully dried and trimmed, your mounted turkey fan is now ready to be displayed! You can frame it using a shadow-box, create a custom plaque for it, or simply hang it on a wall using hooks or clips.

Tips for Maintaining Your Turkey Fan

Properly mounting a turkey fan is only the first step of its maintenance. In order to ensure that your fan stands the test of time and stays in pristine condition, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Avoid Direct Sunlight – Direct sunlight can cause the fan’s colors to fade over time. Make sure to keep it away from windows or any other areas that receive direct sunlight.

2. Dust Regularly – Just like any other piece of decor, a mounted turkey fan should be dusted regularly using a soft cloth or feather duster.

3. Keep It Away from Moisture – Moisture can cause feathers to become limp and lose their shape. Keep your fan away from humid areas such as bathrooms or kitchens.

4. Store Properly – If you need to store your mounted turkey fan, make sure to wrap it carefully in acid-free paper and place it in a dry location.

5. Handle with Care – When moving or handling your mounted turkey fan, be gentle as the feathers can easily get damaged or fall out if mishandled.

Conclusion

Properly mounting a turkey fan takes time, patience, and attention to detail. By following this guide and keeping these maintenance tips in mind, you can ensure that your mounted turkey fan stays beautiful for years to come.

The Art of Mounting a Turkey Fan

Turkey hunting is a popular outdoor activity that has been gaining more traction in recent years. With the rise in popularity comes an increase in hunters wanting to display their trophies, especially turkey fans. Mounting a turkey fan not only preserves the memory of your hunt but also serves as a beautiful and unique decoration for your home or office. However, it’s not as simple as just nailing the fan to a board and hanging it on the wall. There is an art to properly mounting a turkey fan that requires skill, patience, and attention to detail.

The Importance of Proper Preservation

Before diving into the process of mounting, it’s essential to understand why it’s crucial to preserve your turkey fan properly. A well-preserved fan not only looks visually appealing but also ensures that it will last for many years to come. Improper preservation techniques can lead to discoloration, rotting, or even falling apart over time.

Turkey fans are composed of delicate feathers that are susceptible to damage if not handled correctly. Additionally, they have oils on them from the turkey’s body that, if not removed, can cause discoloration or attract insects. Proper preservation techniques ensure that these oils are removed while maintaining the vibrant colors and shape of the feathers.

Choosing Your Turkey Fan

The first step in mounting a turkey fan is choosing which one you want to mount carefully. You’ll want one with healthy and undamaged feathers without tears or rips. It’s also essential to choose one with vibrant colors and noticeable differences between each feather’s pattern. A beautiful and unique turkey fan will make for a more impressive mount.

After selecting your preferred turkey fan carefully, it’s essential to clean it thoroughly before starting the preservation process.

Cleaning Your Turkey Fan

Cleaning your turkey fan is crucial because it removes any dirt, debris, or oils from the feathers. This step is especially important if you plan to eat the turkey meat, as oils from the bird’s body can transfer and ruin the taste of the food.

To clean your turkey fan:

1. Hold it under lukewarm water and gently rub between your hands to remove any loose debris.
2. Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild soap.
3. Submerge your turkey fan in the soapy water and gently agitate for a few minutes.
4. Rinse thoroughly under clean water to remove all soap residue.
5. Carefully squeeze out excess water without damaging any feathers.
6. Lay flat on a towel and allow it to air dry completely before moving on to preserving it.

Preserving Your Turkey Fan

After your turkey fan has been thoroughly cleaned and dried, it’s now time to begin preserving it. There are two main methods of preservation; drying with borax or tanning with a solution of alum.

Drying With Borax

Borax is a chemical commonly used in laundry detergent that acts as a desiccant, meaning it absorbs moisture. Drying with borax is an effective method for preserving turkey fans because it removes any remaining oils from the feathers while keeping them fluffy and pliable.

To dry your turkey fan with borax:

1. Coat the back of your turkey fan with a generous layer of borax using a soft-bristled brush or your hands (wearing gloves).
2. Place the fan in between two pieces of cardboard and clamp them together or use pins around the edges to hold them in place.
3. Let it sit in this position for 7-10 days until completely dry.

Tanning With Alum

Tanning is another popular method for preserving turkey fans. The solution is created by dissolving alum (an ingredient commonly used in pickling) in hot water. This method not only preserves but also softens and brightens the feathers.

To tan your turkey fan with alum:

1. Dissolve 1 ½ cups of alum into one gallon of hot water.
2. Submerge your turkey fan into the solution, making sure all feathers get covered.
3. Gently massage the feathers for a few minutes to ensure the solution reaches them all.
4. Leave it in the solution for 24 hours.
5. Remove and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
6. Blot dry or use a hairdryer on low heat to dry completely before moving on to mounting.

Mounting Your Turkey Fan

Once your turkey fan has been cleaned and preserved, it’s now time to mount it onto a board for display.

To mount your turkey fan:

1. Lay out your preferred board or plaque for mounting.
2. Trim off any excess skin or meat from the base of your turkey fan where it will be attached to the board.
3. Apply a strong adhesive (such as wood glue or Gorilla glue) onto the back of your preserved turkey fan.
4. Carefully

Q: What materials do I need to mount a turkey fan?
A: To mount a turkey fan, you will need a turkey tail, sharp scissors, borax or other preservative, a wooden plaque or board, and wood glue.

Q: How do I prepare the turkey tail for mounting?
A: Begin by removing any excess flesh from the tail feathers with sharp scissors. Then, carefully remove the membrane between each feather to create a flat surface.

Q: Can I use borax as a preservative for the turkey fan?
A: Yes, borax is one option for preserving the turkey fan. Other alternatives include salt or commercial taxidermy preservatives.

Q: How do I attach the feathers to the wooden plaque?
A: Before attaching the feathers, make sure they are arranged in their natural position. Then, use wood glue to attach them to the plaque and allow it to dry completely before handling.

Q: Can I add extra decoration to my mounted turkey fan?
A: While it is ultimately up to personal preference, it is recommended to keep mounted turkey fans simple and natural-looking. Additional decorations can distract from the beauty of the feathers.

Q: Do I need any special tools or skills to mount a turkey fan?
A: No special tools or skills are required; however, patience and attention to detail are important in creating a well-mounted and preserved turkey fan.

In conclusion, mounting a turkey fan can be a rewarding and satisfying experience for any turkey hunter. It requires patience, care, and attention to detail in order to properly preserve and display this cherished trophy. From field dressing to curing, to selecting the right display method, each step plays a crucial role in achieving a successful mount.

The first step of field dressing is often overlooked but is critical in preserving the quality of the fan. Properly cleaning and cooling the fan ensures that it remains in good condition for the next steps of curing and mounting. Curing is also an essential step as it helps to prevent bacteria growth and maintain the fan’s original shape and color. Additionally, choosing between natural or artificial curing methods can significantly impact the final appearance of the mount.

Selecting the right display method is equally important in showcasing your mounted turkey fan. Whether it be a traditional wall mount or a more creative display like a table stand or shadow box, each option offers its own unique benefits for showcasing your trophy. Consider factors such as space availability, aesthetic preferences, and budget when making this decision.

Finally, it is crucial to remember that proper handling and care after mounting are necessary to ensure longevity of your turkey fan mount. Regular dusting and avoiding direct sunlight will help maintain its appearance for years