Spring turkey season is one of the most exciting hunts of the year, and a mature tom with a long beard and sharp spurs is absolutely worthy of preservation. Turkey taxidermy has evolved significantly, and hunters today have more mounting options than ever before.
Fan and Tail Mounts
The simplest turkey taxidermy option is a fan or tail mount — just the tail feathers and sometimes the beard and spurs, displayed on a wooden plaque. These are affordable ($50 to $150), quick to complete, and work well for hunters who want a tasteful display without a full mount. They make great gifts and look sharp in a hunting cabin or mudroom.
Full Strut Mounts
A full strut mount shows the entire turkey in the iconic gobbling posture, with feathers fanned and head raised. These are the most dramatic and visually impressive option, but they require a lot of space — a strutting turkey mount can span 3 feet or more in width. A full strut mount typically runs $500 to $900, and the quality depends heavily on how well the bird was handled in the field. Keep feathers flat and undamaged, and get the bird to a taxidermist or freezer quickly.
Field Care for Turkey Taxidermy
The worst enemy of turkey feathers is heat and moisture. After the harvest, lay the turkey on its back to protect the breast and tail feathers, and let it cool quickly. Do not gut the bird if you're planning to mount it. Get it into a large plastic bag and into a cooler as soon as possible. When you deliver it to the taxidermist, bring clear photos of the bird while it's still fresh — the colors of the head can fade rapidly and good reference photos help the taxidermist reproduce that brilliant blue and red coloration accurately.
A mounted turkey is a fantastic way to remember a special hunt, especially a hard-earned longbeard. Talk to your taxidermist about which style fits your space and budget before the season starts.