Easy and Quick Set Method<\/b><\/p>\n
Step 1: Gather Your Materials<\/span><\/p>\n To begin your turkey tail mount project, you’ll need the following materials:<\/span><\/p>\n Step 2: Preparing the Tail Feathers<\/span><\/p>\n Start by carefully removing the tail feathers from behind the fan and discarding any excess flesh.\u00a0Use a razor blade or sharp knife to\u00a0peel back the top layer of skin, exposing the quills.<\/span><\/p>\n Step 3: Cleaning the Feathers<\/span><\/p>\n Next, remove the bulk of the meat from the feathers by cutting underneath the quills. Be sure to avoid cutting the fascia tendon tissue that connects the quills\u00a0together.\u00a0Use a razor blade to remove\u00a0any\u00a0excess\u00a0grease and meat\u00a0from\u00a0between the quills.\u00a0You can also use a wire brush to help remove the flesh and tissue from the end of the tail.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Step 4: Applying Borax<\/span><\/p>\n Once the feathers are clean, apply a generous amount of Borax to all the exposed flesh areas. Ensure that the Borax coats the feathers and skin well to aid in drying and preservation. The Borax helps to kill mites and dry out any remaining flesh.<\/span><\/p>\n Step 5: Drying\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Allow the Borax to sit overnight or for at least two hours to dry out the feathers and kill\u00a0any\u00a0pests. The following day, dust off the excess Borax and prepare the feathers for mounting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Step 6: Mounting the Feathers<\/span><\/p>\n Mix the auto body filler according to the\u00a0manufacturer’s instructions and apply it to the underside of the feathers where the quills are touching. Also, apply filler underneath any skin flaps to hold them down. Use a trash bag under the fan; the auto filler will easily remove it from the trash bag. I use ammo boxes to keep the fan in place while the filler sets.<\/span><\/p>\n Step 7: Final Touches<\/span><\/p>\n After the filler has cured, your turkey tail mount is ready to be displayed. Use a spoolie brush to fan out the feathers and remove any remaining borax residue.<\/span><\/p>\n Creating your DIY turkey tail mount is a rewarding way to commemorate your hunting adventures. Not only does it provide a visual reminder of your success in the field, but it also allows you to showcase your craftsmanship and honor the animal. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Drying Method<\/b><\/p>\n If you do not want to use a quick-set method, you can dry out the turkey fan. This process takes about two months, depending on how well you clean the meat and flesh. Thoroughly drying the turkey tail is a critical step in the taxidermy process to prevent decay and ensure the longevity of the mount. Moisture trapped within the feathers or skin can lead to bacterial growth and deterioration over time, compromising the\u00a0integrity of the mount. Not to mention the smell! Therefore, it’s essential to properly clean and use the correct drying techniques.<\/span><\/p>\n Different Drying Agents and Their Applications<\/span>:<\/span><\/p>\n Borax:<\/span>\u00a0Borax is a commonly used drying agent in taxidermy due to its ability to absorb moisture and inhibit bacterial growth. To apply Borax, sprinkle a generous amount onto the exposed flesh areas of the tail and rub it in thoroughly.\u00a0Ensure that all surfaces are evenly coated with\u00a0Borax to facilitate thorough drying and preservation.<\/span><\/p>\n Salt:<\/span>\u00a0Salt is another effective drying agent that helps draw moisture out of the feathers and skin.\u00a0To use salt, create a mixture of salt and water and apply it to the tail, focusing on areas with excess moisture. Allow the salt to penetrate the feathers and skin for several hours before rinsing it off and allowing the tail to air dry completely.<\/span><\/p>\n Commercial Drying Powders:<\/span>\u00a0There are also commercial drying powders available\u00a0specifically designed for taxidermy purposes. These powders often contain a combination of absorbent materials and preservatives to ensure thorough drying and long-term preservation of the mount.\u00a0Follow\u00a0the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying times\u00a0to achieve optimal results.<\/span><\/p>\n By using\u00a0these different drying agents and techniques, you can effectively remove moisture from the turkey tail and preserve for display.\u00a0Remember\u00a0to allow sufficient drying time before proceeding with\u00a0mounting\u00a0if using this method.\u00a0This\u00a0will ensure the best possible outcome for your taxidermy project.<\/span><\/p>\n Shaping and Mounting<\/b><\/p>\n To\u00a0ensure your turkey tail mount looks fun, shaping the feathers properly is\u00a0key.\u00a0Start by arranging the feathers in a natural fan shape,\u00a0paying attention to\u00a0the curvature and spacing. Use your fingers or a soft brush\u00a0to gently manipulate the feathers into place, creating a smooth and symmetrical appearance. To help fluff the tail, consider washing it and using a hairdryer on a low setting to fluff up the feathers and add volume.<\/span><\/p>\n Place the tail on a display board or cardboard surface. Position the tail on the board, ensuring it is centered and aligned correctly. Use pins or small nails to secure the feathers to the board. Once mounted, allow the tail to dry completely before displaying your finished piece.\u00a0Note,\u00a0if not fastened correctly it could cause your fan to shrink or restrict,\u00a0in turn\u00a0distorting the shape.<\/span><\/p>\n Personalizing the display of your turkey tail mount\u00a0adds a unique touch and makes it truly your own.\u00a0Consider incorporating personal\u00a0mementos\u00a0or memorabilia from the hunt, such as shotgun shells, hunting tags, or photos, to create a meaningful and visually engaging display. Whether you\u00a0choose to\u00a0keep it simple or get creative with additions, adding your\u00a0personal\u00a0flair to the display will make it a cherished piece for years to come.<\/span><\/p>\n Turkey hunting is not just about bagging a gobbler; it’s also about preserving the memory of the hunt. One way to immortalize the experience is by creating a DIY turkey tail mount.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Additional Resources:<\/span><\/p>\n I recently filmed a video of how I preserved my\u00a0own\u00a0turkey tail on YouTube. Watch here:<\/span><\/p>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.everest.com\/everestdigest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Turkey-taxidermy_Everst_news_2.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.everest.com\/everestdigest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Turkey-taxidermy_Everst_news_4.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.everest.com\/everestdigest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Turkey_Taxidermy_Bethany_3.1.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.everest.com\/everestdigest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Turkey-taxidermy_Everst_news_1.webp\")
<\/p>\n