DIY Turkey Fan Mount: A Step-by-Step Guide to Preserve Your Hunting Memories

Hey there, fellow hunters! Looking for a unique way to commemorate your successful turkey hunt? Look no further than creating a DIY turkey fan mount, a beautiful and meaningful display that will preserve your memories for years to come.

This detailed guide will walk you through every step of the process, from removing the fan and beard to cleaning, preserving, and mounting your prized trophy. Get ready to transform your turkey fan into a stunning wall art that will be the envy of all your hunting buddies.

Step 1: Remove the Fan and Beard

Start by removing the fan and beard from your turkey immediately after the hunt This will prevent any unnecessary damage during transport and cleaning,

• Fan Removal: Locate the tail bone just above the bird’s vent and cut along it with a sharp knife. Leave some extra feathers attached for easier removal later.
• Beard Removal: Cut the beard off after plucking the turkey, as this will expose the breast sponge and create a mess.

Step 2: Freeze the Fan and Beard

Freezing your fan and beard as soon as possible is crucial. This will prevent rotting and kill any lice or mites that might be present. Store them in a plastic bag in the freezer to keep things clean and organized.

Step 3: Remove the Meat

Once you’re ready to prepare the fan, the first step is to remove all the meat. This is the most tedious part but essential for ensuring a long-lasting and odor-free mount.

• Use a sharp pocket knife to remove large pieces of meat and bone from the fan.
• Remove unwanted feathers from the back of the mount.

Step 4: Cleaning the Feathers

After removing the meat, focus on cleaning the feathers. This involves removing fat and debris that can cause rotting.

• Use scissors to separate the quills and a wire brush to scrape out the fat from between the feathers.

Step 5: Preserving the Mount

Proper preservation is key to ensuring your turkey fan mount lasts for years.

• Spread the fan on cardboard and pin the feathers in place using small tacks or toothpicks.
• Sprinkle borax liberally over the base of the fan, ensuring it reaches all crevices.
• Let the fan sit in borax for at least two weeks, checking occasionally for any issues.
• Wipe off excess borax and re-pin any feathers that have moved.

Step 6: Prepare the Mount for Hanging

Create a plaster seal at the base of the fan using regular Bondo. This will allow you to screw the mount to the wall behind a plaque.

• Spread Bondo over the base of the fan and let it dry overnight.
• Once dry, you’ll have a solid base to hold the feathers in place and enable wall mounting.

Step 7: Mount the Fan

Purchase a turkey fan mount kit from a hunting store. These kits come in various styles and materials and often include accessories for mounting beards, spurs, and skulls.

• Screw the mount through the center of the plastered fan, securing it in place.
• Mount the fan to the wall using the provided hardware.

Bonus: Fixing Damaged Feathers

If your turkey’s feathers are damaged or broken, don’t worry! You can easily fix them using fly tying material and toothpicks.

• Use toothpicks as crutches for broken stems and fly tying thread to wrap around the damaged areas.

Creating a DIY turkey fan mount is a rewarding experience that allows you to preserve your hunting memories and create a unique and beautiful display. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can transform your turkey fan into a treasured piece of hunting art that will be a conversation starter for years to come.