Imagine holding that magnificent wild turkey you hunted, its feathers gleaming. How do you keep that trophy looking as impressive as the day you bagged it? Choosing the right taxidermist for your turkey mount is a big deal. A poor mount can quickly turn your prized memory into a dusty disappointment, leaving you with a stiff, unnatural-looking bird.
Many hunters face tough choices: Should you pick a pedestal mount or a wall hanger? How do you ensure the colors stay vibrant and the pose looks lifelike? These decisions matter because your taxidermy is the lasting proof of your successful hunt. Getting it wrong means losing that perfect snapshot of your achievement.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what to look for in a skilled taxidermist and the mount options that best suit your needs. By the end, you will know how to choose a professional who will create a stunning, museum-quality display of your turkey.
Top Turkey Taxidermy Recommendations
- MOUNT YOUR OWN TROPHY - By mounting your own trophy, you save money and get it up on the wall faster; Hunters Specialties Turkey Tail & Beard Mounting Kit is perfect for any turkey species and will be the best choice for any hunter
- EASY TO ASSEMBLE - Turkey Tail & Beard trophy mount kit from Hunters Specialties is very easy to assemble; The kit comes with a mounting plaque, a brass nameplate, and includes all mounting hardware and easy-to-follow instructions
- TAIL MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS - Place the dried turkey tail on the back of the top plaque; Make sure the fan is centered and straight; Next, lay the retaining plate across the base of the tail and secure it in place with the two screws provided
- BEARD MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS - The beard of the turkey mounts in the slot located at the bottom of the plaque; It is held in position with either hot melt glue or a silicone adhesive (not included into package)
- HUNTERS SPECIALTIES - They say craftsman is only as good as his tools; We believe the same holds true for hunters; That's why we make purpose-driven hunting tools that stand up to any conditions and are guaranteed to work when you need them to
- 22" wingspan, 18" beak to tail.
- Bendable neck, legs, and wings.
- Cute, soft and squeezable.
- High quality. Detailed realistic design.
- Designed in the USA by Adore Plush Company.
- The Lil’ Gobbstopper Hen is expertly designed and field-proven to match smaller, less intimidating turkeys that make easy targets for gobblers to bully
- With authentic poses and coloring, the smaller size also makes them easier to pack and lighter carry so you can get to your spot and get the action going faster
- A smaller profile makes an easier target for gobblers to bully. Excellent detail and High-Definition paint that rivals more expensive decoys
- Ultra-realistic head postures. Light-weight, collapsible design for easy carry. Two-piece stake included
- Preserve Your Turkey Fan with Ease: FanLok is specially designed to help hunters easily preserve turkey fans, beards, and feet for long-lasting displays, ensuring your trophies remain in perfect condition.
- Turkey Fan Preservation: This all-in-one spray on solution simplifies the turkey fan preservation process. No need for complicated tools or messy mixes.
- Gifts for Turkey Hunters: Looking for gifts for turkey hunters? FanLok is a must-have for any turkey hunter wanting to preserve their hard-earned turkey fan, beard, and/or feet.
- Style: The classic Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern.
- Save: The Beard Master system is a fraction of the cost compared to traditional taxidermy
- Quick and Easy: This mounting kit is extremely simple to use. The full mount from start to finish can be done in a matter of minutes. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned veterans of DIY turkey plaque mounting.
- Full Turkey Display: Featuring slotted areas for each element of your mount with the Fan, the Feet + Spurs and up to 3 Beards
- Clean Look: Durable injection molded with a Mossy Oak Bottomland vinyl finish
- Allows you to hide your face and body behind an ultra-realistic decoy and creep close to turkeys for extremely exciting turkey hunting
- The most exciting way to hunt spring gobblers; Mature gobblers often charge the turkey decoy, creating the ultimate close-shot experience
- Includes realistic artificial turkey fan and wings; Both the fan and wings are removable and feature specially designed hubs that allow you to use a real fan and wings for ultimate realism
- Includes a see-through mesh window in the fan to increase field visibility while keeping the hunter concealed
- Easy to use with a built-in handle and sturdy ground stake
- Beautiful Satin Finish
- Instructions Included
- Quick and Easy to Mount
- Carved Turkey Tracks
- Classic vintage Knowledge design: Each sign features a unique vintage design that captures the nostalgia and charm of a bygone era.
- Durable materials: Made from durable aluminum, these signs are built to last and withstand the test of time.
- Easy hanging: Each sign comes with pre-drilled holes or a built-in bracket for easy hanging, so you can quickly and easily display your vintage cottagecore decor.
- Range of themes: Choose from a range of themes, including retro ads, inspirational quotes, and vintage movie posters, to suit your personal style and add personality to your space.
- Makes an excellent gift idea: This funny metal sign will make a great gift for friends and family. Personalized decor that will display beautifully in a kitchen, bar, dining room or living room.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Turkey Taxidermy
Bringing a successful turkey hunt indoors is exciting. Taxidermy turns your trophy into a lasting memory. This guide helps you choose the best mount for your bird.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at different turkey mounts, a few things really stand out. These features show the skill of the taxidermist.
Pose and Presentation
- Strutting Pose: This is the most popular. The turkey stands tall with its tail fanned wide. Look for a full, symmetrical fan.
- Alert or Walking Pose: These poses show the bird moving naturally. Check that the legs look balanced and ready for action.
- Head Position: Does the head face forward, or is it turned slightly? The head should look alert, not stiff or unnatural.
Feather Quality and Color
Good taxidermy keeps the natural colors. The iridescent sheen (the rainbow colors on the feathers) must look bright. Dull or patchy spots mean lower quality work.
Base and Habitat
The base is what the turkey stands on. A good base looks like the turkey’s natural environment, like dirt, leaves, or small branches. This adds realism to the whole display.
Important Materials Used
The materials used affect how long your mount lasts and how real it looks.
Mannequin/Form
Most modern taxidermists use lightweight, durable foam forms. These plastic or foam bodies give the turkey its shape. High-quality forms fit the bird’s skin perfectly. Poorly fitted forms cause wrinkles.
Glass Eyes
The eyes bring the mount to life. Good glass eyes have depth and the correct color for a wild turkey. Cheap eyes look flat or fake.
Preservatives
Special chemicals are used to treat the skin. This stops bugs from eating the feathers and keeps the skin from shrinking or cracking over time. Always ask what preservatives the taxidermist uses.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The final look of your mount depends heavily on the taxidermist’s skill.
What Makes Quality High?
- Feather Placement: Every feather should lay naturally. The breast feathers must look smooth and full.
- Detailing: Look closely at the legs and snood (the fleshy part over the beak). These areas must look realistic, showing texture and color variation.
- Cleanliness: The mount should be completely clean. No glue, excess foam, or dirt should be visible when you inspect it closely.
What Reduces Quality?
Poor mounting often shows up quickly. If the bird looks stiff or unnatural, the quality is low. Sun fading over time reduces quality, so avoid placing mounts in direct sunlight.
User Experience and Use Cases
Where you plan to display your turkey affects your choice.
Display Location
If you plan to hang the mount high on a wall, a slightly less detailed base might be fine. If the mount sits on a shelf where people can view it up close, invest in the highest quality detailing possible.
Longevity
A well-done mount lasts for decades. People often pass these trophies down through their families. A cheap, rushed job might start falling apart in just a few years.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Turkey Taxidermy
Q: How long does the taxidermy process usually take?
A: The process takes time because of drying and mounting. It often takes four to six months, but busy taxidermists might take longer.
Q: What is the “snood” and why is it important?
A: The snood is the fleshy appendage hanging over the turkey’s beak. A good taxidermist captures its natural color and texture, which adds realism.
Q: Should I freeze my turkey immediately after the hunt?
A: Yes, freezing the turkey quickly stops decay. Wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn before you deliver it to the taxidermist.
Q: Can a taxidermist fix dull feathers?
A: They can clean and fluff dull feathers, but they cannot restore lost natural iridescence. Good initial care is key.
Q: What is the difference between a shoulder mount and a full mount?
A: A shoulder mount only includes the head, neck, and upper chest. A full mount includes the entire body, usually in a standing pose.
Q: How do I clean my mounted turkey?
A: You should gently dust it regularly with a soft cloth or use low-power compressed air. Never use harsh chemicals or water.
Q: What factors affect the total cost of a turkey mount?
A: Cost depends on the pose complexity, the taxidermist’s reputation, and whether you choose a full mount or a shoulder mount.
Q: Can the taxidermist use my turkey’s real beard and spurs?
A: Yes, almost always. The taxidermist usually incorporates the actual beard and spurs into the final display.
Q: What is the best way to display my turkey mount?
A: Display it away from direct sunlight, heat vents, or high humidity areas to protect the feathers and glue.
Q: Is it legal to have turkey taxidermy?
A: Yes, it is legal to mount your legally harvested game bird. You must follow all state and federal hunting regulations.