Mastering the Mount: A Step-by-Step Guide on How To Mount a Turkey Fan

The thrill of a successful turkey hunt is often followed by the gratifying task of mounting your trophy fan. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to the sport, learning how to mount a turkey fan is an essential skill for any enthusiast. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of preserving and showcasing your hard-earned turkey fan in a way that will make you proud to display it for years to come. Whether you plan on using traditional taxidermy methods or trying out some innovative DIY techniques, get ready to elevate your hunting experience with our expert tips and tricks.

Turkey hunting is a popular and thrilling activity for many outdoor enthusiasts. While most hunters are focused on bagging a big tom, there are some who enjoy the challenge of creating a mounted fan display to commemorate their successful hunt. Mounting a turkey fan is not only a great way to preserve a cherished memory, but it can also be used as a unique and eye-catching piece of décor. In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about how to mount a turkey fan.

What You’ll Need

Before we dive into the step-by-step process of mounting a turkey fan, it’s important to gather all the necessary supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Turkey Fan: The first and most obvious item you’ll need is the turkey fan itself. A beautifully spread out and fully intact fan will make for the best display.

2. Scissors or Knife: You’ll need either scissors or a sharp knife to cleanly remove the feathers from the base of the fan.

3. Pliers: Pliers will come in handy when cleaning up any remaining meat or tissue from the quills.

4. Salt: Salt acts as a preserving agent that can keep your fan in good condition until it’s ready for mounting.

5. Borax or Plaster of Paris: These are two common options used as preservatives in mounting turkey fans.

6. An Old Shoebox: An old shoebox can be used as an alternative if you don’t have access to specific mounting kits.

7. A Pen or Pencil: A pen or pencil can be used to mark where you want your fan to be mounted on the board.

8. Framing Nails: Framing nails will be needed if you plan on using borax or plaster of Paris as your preservative solution.

Preparing Your Turkey Fan

Once you have all your supplies gathered, it’s time to move on to preparing your turkey fan for mounting. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:

1. Remove the Feathers: Start by removing all the feathers from the fan using either scissors or a knife. Be sure to cut as close to the base of the fan as possible without damaging it.

2. Clean Up the Quills: After removing all the feathers, you might notice some remaining meat or tissue on the quills. Use pliers to gently remove any remaining debris.

3. Salt Your Fan: Sprinkle salt liberally over both sides of your fan and let it sit for about 24 hours. This will help draw out any excess moisture and preserve your fan.

Mounting with Borax

Using borax as a preservative is a popular and cost-effective method for mounting turkey fans. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Prepare a Preserving Solution: Mix borax with equal parts warm water in a shallow container until you have a paste-like consistency.

2. Spread Your Fan: Lay out your fan flat on a surface and arrange it into the desired shape.

3. Apply Preserving Solution: Using an old paintbrush, apply a generous amount of borax paste onto both sides of your fan, making sure to completely cover all feathers and quills.

4. Secure Your Fan in Place: Once you have applied enough preserving solution, gently place your fan on top of an old shoebox or piece of cardboard, with its base hanging over one end.

5. Let it Dry: Allow your fan to dry for at least 4-6 weeks before removing it from the preservative solution and shaking off any excess borax.

Mounting with Plaster of Paris

Another popular method of preserving turkey fans is by using plaster of Paris as a preservative solution. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Create a Mold: Start by creating a mold for your fan using an old shoebox or framing nails on a piece of wood. Make sure the mold is slightly larger than your fan.

2. Mix Plaster of Paris: Follow the instructions on the packaging to mix your plaster of Paris. You will need to work quickly as it dries fast.

3. Spread Your Fan: Arrange your fan in the desired shape and place it on top of your mold.

4. Apply Plaster of Paris: Once you have mixed your plaster, pour it over the fan until it’s covered completely.

5. Let it Dry: Allow your fan to dry for at least 24 hours before gently removing it from the mold and brushing off any excess plaster using a paintbrush.

Mounting Your Fan on a Display Board

Now that you have preserved and dried your fan, it’s time to mount it onto a display board for those final touches. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Cut Your Display Board: Using scissors or any other cutting tool, cut out a display board in the desired shape and size.

2. Mark Where You Want Your Fan: Use a pen or pencil to mark where you want your fan to be

The Importance of Mounting Your Turkey Fan

Mounting your turkey fan is an essential step in preserving the memory of a successful hunt. Not only does it serve as a reminder of your achievement, but it also allows you to display the beautiful feathers and unique characteristics of the turkey. When properly mounted, the fan becomes a centerpiece in any room and showcases the artistry and skill involved in harvesting a turkey.

But more than just for aesthetic purposes, mounting also has practical benefits. It prevents the feathers from getting damaged or ruined over time due to handling, dust, or insects. A well-preserved fan will retain its vibrant colors and remain intact for many years to come.

Materials Needed for Mounting

To mount your turkey fan, you will need a few materials that can be easily obtained from your local hunting or craft store:

1. A sharp knife – This will be used to carefully remove the fan from the bird’s body.
2. Borax powder – Used as a preservative for the feathers.
3. Pins or needles – These will hold the feathers in place during the drying process.
4. Cardboard – Used as a backing board for mounting.
5. Glue or epoxy – To attach the cardboard backing to the feathers.
6. Optional: Wood plaque or frame – If you wish to display your fan on a wall.

Step-by-Step Guide on How To Mount Your Turkey Fan

1. Once you have harvested your turkey, carefully remove its fan by cutting along the base of its tail using a sharp knife.
2. Gently clean off any excess blood or debris from the feathers using a damp cloth.
3. Lay out a sheet of newspaper or cardboard and sprinkle borax powder over it.
4. Lay out your turkey fan on top of the powder and sprinkle more borax over it, making sure to cover the entire fan evenly.
5. Leave the fan to dry for at least two weeks in a cool, well-ventilated area.
6. After two weeks, remove any excess borax from the feathers by brushing or gently shaking them.
7. Place the fan on a piece of cardboard and position the feathers as desired.
8. Use pins or needles to hold the feathers in place on the cardboard backing.
9. Once satisfied with the placement, glue or epoxy the cardboard backing onto the feathers.
10. If you wish to display your fan on a wall, attach it to a wood plaque or frame using glue or screws.

Tips for a Professional-Looking Mount

– When removing the fan from the turkey, make sure not to damage any of its feathers.
– Use small pins or needles for more delicate areas of the fan, such as near the tips of each feather.
– If some feathers are missing, you can use feathers from another turkey or purchase replacement feathers online.
– Take your time and be patient when positioning and pinning the feathers to achieve a symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing look.

Caring for Your Mounted Turkey Fan

To ensure that your mounted turkey fan remains in pristine condition for years to come, there are a few things you can do:

1. Keep it away from direct sunlight – Exposure to sunlight can cause fading and discoloration of the feathers.
2. Dust it regularly – Use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove any dust that may accumulate on your mounted fan.
3. Use caution when handling – Avoid touching or handling your mounted fan too much as this can cause damage over time.

In conclusion, mounting your turkey fan is not only important for preserving memories but also adds a touch of artistry and beauty to your home. With proper care and attention, your mounted fan will be a lasting reminder of your successful hunt and the beauty of the wild turkey. So the next time you harvest a turkey, be sure to follow these steps and create a stunning mount that you can proudly display for years to come. Happy hunting!

1. How do I mount a turkey fan?
Mounting a turkey fan requires proper preparation and careful positioning of the feathers onto a mounting board or frame.

2. What materials do I need to mount a turkey fan?
To mount a turkey fan, you will need a mounting board or frame, sharp scissors, adhesive glue, and pins or tacks.

3. How do I prepare the feathers for mounting?
Start by cleaning the feathers with warm soapy water and allow them to air dry completely before handling. Then trim off any excess flesh from the base of the feathers using sharp scissors.

4. Where should I position the feathers on the mounting board?
Arrange the feathers in a natural fan-shaped pattern on the mounting board or frame, making sure to leave enough space between each feather to avoid overlapping.

5. How do I make sure the feathers stay in place during drying?
Gently press down on each feather’s base and secure it in place with pins or tacks. This will prevent any movement or shifting of the feathers while they dry.

6. What is the best way to attach the feathers to the board?
Using an adhesive glue, apply a small amount onto each feather’s base and gently press it down onto the mounting board. Be careful not to use too much glue as it can cause clumping and ruin the overall appearance of your mount.

In conclusion, learning how to mount a turkey fan is a valuable skill for any hunter or outdoor enthusiast. It not only allows for a beautiful display of a successful hunt but also preserves the memory of the experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, one can confidently mount a turkey fan with minimal equipment and cost. It is important to properly clean and prepare the fan before mounting to ensure its longevity. Additionally, using quality materials and techniques can result in a professional-looking and durable mount.

It is also worth noting that mounting a turkey fan can be a fun and creative endeavor. With various methods available, there is room for personalization and experimentation. Whether it be utilizing different display techniques or incorporating other elements such as hunting tags or feathers, adding a touch of individuality can make the mounted fan even more special.

Finally, mounting a turkey fan goes beyond creating a physical piece of art. It serves as a reminder of the hunt itself – the thrill of tracking and calling in the bird, the satisfaction of taking down the prey, and the connection to nature that it brings. It is an opportunity to reflect on these experiences and appreciate the beauty of nature’s creation.

In conclusion, mastering how to mount a turkey fan not only provides decoration for your home but also acts as a