How to Make a Turkey Spur Necklace: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey there, fellow turkey hunters! Looking for a unique way to display your hunting prowess and preserve the memory of that majestic gobbler you bagged? Look no further than a handcrafted turkey spur necklace! This guide will walk you through the process, step-by-step, so you can create a personalized piece of jewelry that celebrates your hunting adventures.

Why Turkey Spurs?

Turkey spurs are more than just sharp appendages on a gobbler’s legs. They’re like the antlers of the turkey world, growing longer and sharper with age. They serve as a testament to the bird’s experience and dominance, making them a prized trophy for any hunter.

Gather Your Supplies:

Before you start crafting, make sure you have the following tools and materials:

• Hacksaw or fine-toothed saw
• Knife
• Pipe cleaner or similar tool
• Pot
• Dish soap
• Hydrogen peroxide (optional)
• Dremel tool or file/sandpaper
• Leather lace or string
• Wooden beads (optional)
• Clear polyurethane spray (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Remove the Spurs: Using your hacksaw or fine-toothed saw, carefully cut through the leg bone above and below the spur. This will leave you with a small bone segment with the spur attached.

2. Clean the Spurs: Using your knife, cut away as much skin and ligaments as you can. Extrude any remaining bone marrow from the leg bone using a pipe cleaner or similar instrument.

3. Boil the Spurs: Fill a pot with water, add a couple of tablespoons of dish soap, and bring it to a boil. Add the spurs and simmer for a few minutes. Let them cool and then try to scrape off any remaining debris. Repeat the boiling process if necessary, but watch closely to avoid overcooking and discoloration.

4. Whiten the Bones (Optional): If you desire whiter bones, soak the leg bone portion of the spur in hydrogen peroxide, ensuring the spur itself remains dry. Leave it overnight for optimal results.

5. Shape the Bones: Once dry, use a Dremel tool, file, or sandpaper to grind down the ends of the bones to your desired width. You can leave a small portion of the bone exposed for a natural look or grind it down further for a more polished appearance.

6. String the Spurs: Thread the spurs onto a leather lace or string, adding wooden beads as spacers if desired. For a glossier finish, spray the spurs with clear polyurethane.

Tips and Tricks:

• Clean the spurs as soon as possible after harvesting the turkey for the best whitening results.
• Be patient during the boiling and cleaning process. It might take a few rounds to get them perfectly clean.
• Experiment with different stringing materials and bead combinations to personalize your necklace.
• Show off your creation with pride! Your turkey spur necklace is a unique conversation starter and a reminder of your successful hunt.

Additional Resources:

• Video Tutorial: For a visual guide, check out this helpful video on making a turkey spur necklace: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NgSeKaOufM8
• Turkey Hunting Resources: The Wild Turkey Zone website offers a wealth of information on turkey hunting techniques, biology, and equipment: https://wildturkeyzone.com/

You can create a unique turkey spur necklace that honors your hunting accomplishments and reflects your love of the sport with this in-depth guide and a little perseverance. Happy crafting, fellow turkey enthusiasts!.