How to Make a Turkey Wall Mount

Overview

The spring turkey season is a special time of year. Leaves are turning green, the snow is melting and the turkeys are in their breeding season. If you are fortunate enough, you will be successful at harvesting a mature tom. Now you need to display the turkey fan and beard to celebrate and remember the hunt for years to come. Creating an attractive and personalized turkey wall mount is a unique way to add decor to any house.
.Creating a Lifetime Memory
Step 1

Remove the tail feathers and beard from the turkey with a knife. Start by cutting off more than you need and trim excess flesh away after it is removed. Make sure to leave the smaller secondary feathers in front of the larger tail feathers, as this makes your mount look more professional. The smaller feathers behind the tail feathers can be removed, as they are not seen.
.Step 2

Lay the tail feathers down on the scrap lumber and spread the feathers in the pattern that you want to appear on the mount. Screw in between the last feathers to hold the fan in place. Apply Borax and rub the powder into the flesh at the base of the fan and the beard to begin the drying process.
.Step 3

Cut the 1x6 lumber into a f5-inch circle and a 3-inch circle. Feel free to cut the wood into any creative design you like to match your personal taste. Notch a small hole, about 1/4 inch deep, in the center of the 5-inch piece of lumber where the base of the fan and beard will lie. Router the edges with your choice of bit and finish by sanding down all faces of the lumber.
.Step 4

Lay the base of the tail feathers and beard in the small hole and position the 3-inch piece on top. Screw through the backside to attach the two pieces of lumber. Fasten the wall mounting plate and your turkey wall mount is complete.
..Skill
Moderate
.Things You'll Need
Knife
Scrap lumber (2x8 or 2x10)
Screwdriver
Screws
Borax
12 inches of 1x6 lumber
Jigsaw
Router
Sander
Wall mounting plate
Paint or stain (optional)
.Tips
Use plenty of Borax during the drying process and allow at least 60 days for the fan to dry and form.
Place the fan in the exact position where you want the mount, because once the drying process has started it cannot be changed.
You can substitue cardboard for the scrap lumber and use push pins to hold the fan in place during the drying process.
.Warnings
Place the fan and beard in a safe location away from pets, animals or children during the drying process.