Preserving a turkey fan is a rewarding way to commemorate a successful hunt and showcase your trophy. This guide combines the best practices from two reputable sources Bowhunting.com and Queen of The Treestand, to provide you with a comprehensive and easy-to-follow process.
Materials:
- Turkey fan: Freshly harvested from your turkey.
- Borax: Available at most grocery stores in the laundry detergent aisle.
- Cardboard or wooden board: For drying the fan.
- Push pins: To secure the feathers during drying.
- Salt: For preserving the fan.
Instructions:
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Removing the Fan:
- Cut the fan ahead of the meat holding the feathers, not the feathers themselves.
- Refer to the image provided in the Bowhunting.com article for visual guidance.
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Applying Borax:
- Sprinkle Borax generously over the flesh and meat on the fan.
- This will dry and preserve the fleshy areas.
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Drying the Fan:
- Spread the feathers out on the cardboard or wooden board.
- Secure the feathers with push pins, ensuring they are positioned how you want them displayed.
- Refer to the image provided in the Bowhunting.com article for visual guidance.
- Let the fan dry for at least a month, or until completely dry.
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Preserving with Salt (Optional):
- Alternatively, you can use salt to preserve the fan.
- Follow the instructions provided in the Queen of The Treestand article:
- Place the fan on a flat surface, like cardboard.
- Cover the exposed fat tissue with salt.
- Secure the feathers with push pins.
- Leave the fan to dry for a week in a cool, dry place.
- Remove the pins and excess salt once dry.
Additional Tips:
- Wear gloves while handling the fan to prevent contamination.
- Choose a well-ventilated area for drying to prevent moisture buildup.
- Once dry, you can display your turkey fan on a plaque, frame, or other suitable mounting.
Preserving a turkey fan is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to enjoy your trophy for years to come. By following these instructions, you can ensure your fan is properly preserved and displayed with pride.
Keywords:
- how to preserve a turkey fan
- turkey fan preservation
- turkey hunting
- hunting trophies
- taxidermy
- borax
- salt
- drying
- mounting
FAQs:
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How long does it take to preserve a turkey fan?
- It takes at least a month for the fan to dry completely.
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Can I use other methods to preserve a turkey fan?
- Yes, there are other methods, but borax and salt are the most common and effective.
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Where can I get borax?
- Borax is available at most grocery stores in the laundry detergent aisle.
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How do I display a preserved turkey fan?
- You can display your fan on a plaque, frame, or other suitable mounting.
Additional Resources:
- Bowhunting.com: https://www.bowhunting.com/blog/2017/04/10/prep-turkey-fan-display/
- Queen of The Treestand: https://queenofthetreestand.com/2015/05/13/preserving-a-turkey-fan-made-easy/