Mounting a turkey fan, beard, and spurs is a fantastic way to honor your hunting achievements. It goes beyond a mere preservation method; it’s an emotional connection to those exhilarating moments spent in nature.
Gather Your Materials
To start your mounting project, you’ll need to collect the right materials. Make sure you have the turkey fan, beard, spurs, a sturdy mounting board, and any decorative elements you wish to include. Having everything prepared will streamline the process and help you focus on the creative aspect.
Preparing the Turkey Parts
The first step in your journey is to prepare the turkey components for display. Begin with the fan. Detach it carefully from the body by slicing through the skin at the base of the tail feathers. This step requires precision; you want to maintain the integrity of the feathers while ensuring a clean cut.
Once you’ve detached the fan, treat it with a preservative like borax. This will safeguard the feathers and maintain their vibrant appearance over time.
Next, move on to the beard. This distinctive tuft of hair-like feathers is a highlight of any turkey mount. Using sharp scissors, trim the beard as close to the skin as possible, taking care not to snip away any additional feathers that could enhance the overall look of your display.
For the spurs, cut the legs at the knee joint. Use a hacksaw to create a slice along each side of the spur, retaining about half an inch of leg bone above and below the spur. This extra length will ease the mounting process. Remember, each cut is a gesture of respect for the animal and a reminder of the natural cycle of life.
Assembling the Mount
With all components prepared, it’s time to bring your mount to life. Start with the fan, positioning it upright on the mounting board. This orientation showcases the fan’s beauty and captures its natural flair. Secure the fan with strong adhesive or small screws, ensuring it will hold firmly.
Next, focus on the beard. Choose a position for it that allows it to stand out—either centrally beneath the fan or slightly off-center. The beard not only acts as a focal point but also adds depth to your display, enhancing the visual appeal.
If you’ve preserved the spurs, position them on either side of the beard. Their sharp, imposing nature symbolizes the wild essence of the turkey and adds a ruggedness to the overall mount. Keep balance in mind as you arrange these elements, creating a harmonious composition.
Personalizing Your Display
Personalization is key when it comes to taxidermy and mounting. This is your opportunity to make the mount a true reflection of your experience. Consider adding personal inscriptions or themed backgrounds that resonate with your hunting journey.
Incorporating elements from the actual hunting location can add an additional layer. Perhaps include soil or small branches to evoke memories of the landscape where your adventure took place.
Incorporating Memories
Another cherished addition could be a photo taken during the hunt. Capturing a moment before the culmination of your efforts will elevate the storytelling aspect of your mount. A photograph can bridge the gap between the present and the memories of that special day.
Selecting the Right Frame
Choosing the right frame or display case can dramatically enhance the visual appeal of your mount. Experiment with contrasting colors that will complement the earthy tones of the turkey’s feathers. A beautifully crafted frame can serve as the perfect backdrop, making your mount stand out.
Capturing the Spirit of the Hunt
Approaching the mounting task with creativity and respect for nature allows you to memorialize not just the trophy, but the very spirit of the hunt. Each element becomes a narrative thread, weaving together the stories and lessons learned in the great outdoors.
Final Touches
Once everything is secured and positioned to your liking, take a step back and appreciate your work. Final adjustments may be necessary to ensure everything feels balanced. Your finished product should evoke the emotions and memories tied to that hunt.
Share Your Journey
Once your turkey fan, beard, and spurs are mounted, consider sharing your journey with fellow hunters and enthusiasts. Showcasing your work can inspire others to embrace their own adventures, and you may even gather tips and tricks that could enhance your next mount.
Preserve the Experience
Mounting your turkey fan, beard, and spurs is a meaningful way to commemorate your time in nature. It serves as a lasting tribute to your efforts and as a visual reminder of the bond you developed with the animal and the landscape.
Engage with Nature
The act of mounting goes beyond an aesthetic endeavor. It captures the essence of hunting—a brotherhood forged through shared experiences. Each time you glance at your mount, let it evoke the sounds of rustling leaves, the thrill of the chase, and the satisfaction that follows a successful hunt.
Craft a Legacy with Your Mount
Through careful preparation and thoughtful assembly, you create not just a decorative piece, but a legacy that encapsulates your passion for the outdoors. This mount will be a conversation starter, inviting stories and shared experiences for years to come.
By thoughtfully engaging in the art of mounting, you not only preserve physical remnants of your hunt but also capture its spirit, ensuring that every glance at your display brings back cherished memories of adventure and connection to nature.