One of the best parts of a successful turkey hunt is being able to preserve that beautiful fan as a trophy mounting. But cleaning and preparing the fan properly is crucial for a long-lasting mount. Follow these steps to learn how to clean dry and preserve your prized turkey tail fan.
Remove the Fan from the Carcass
Start by removing the fan from the turkey carcass as soon as possible after harvesting the bird. The sooner it’s detached, the easier it will be to clean.
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Using a sharp knife, cut around the base of the tail, separating it from the body.
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Be sure to get the entire tail bone and all attached feathers About 8-10 inches is needed,
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If cutting through bone, shears may work better than a knife. Make the cut smooth.
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Place the removed fan flesh-side up on a clean surface for cleaning.
Thoroughly Clean the Feathers
Now it’s time to clean the feathers. This removes dirt, blood, tissue, oils and moisture that can degrade feathers over time.
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Use a small knife to gently scrape off any remaining flesh, tissue or blood from the feather base and shaft.
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Carefully rinse the entire fan under cool running water, avoiding high pressure.
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Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water. Gently scrub feathers with a soft brush or cloth. Avoid bending quills.
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Rinse soap off thoroughly with cool clean water. Allow to air dry completely.
Dry and Disinfect the Base
It’s critical to fully dry and disinfect the feather base where it was detached from skin and bone. This prevents rotting and insect damage over time.
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Liberally sprinkle borax powder onto the feather bases, covering any exposed bone or flesh.
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Allow to sit for several hours up to 24-48 hours. The borax will dry out moisture and help disinfect.
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Alternatively, soak base in rubbing alcohol or pickle solution like acetone or turpentine. Air dry completely after.
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Inspect base and reapply borax if any soft tissue remains. Fully dried base should be stiff.
Shape and Display the Fan
To finish, shape the fan how you want it displayed using these tips:
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Arrange feathers how you want them spread. Pursing them together makes fan look full.
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Carefully pin or wire feathers into position on a foam board or piece of cardboard.
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Alternatively, glue quill bases in place using epoxy or clear drying craft glue.
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Ensure all feathers stay aligned and shaped correctly until fully dry.
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For extra hold, brush a small amount of glue directly onto the dried feather bases.
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Position the shaped fan on your taxidermy mount or plaque. Add tie-downs for extra hold.
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Display your trophy in a climate controlled area out of direct sunlight to preserve its condition.
With some care and patience, you can create a beautiful turkey tail fan mount to proudly display your hunting success for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about cleaning and preserving turkey fans:
Should I wash the feathers?
Yes, gently wash feathers in mild soap and water to remove dirt, blood and oils. Rinse thoroughly. Avoid bending or damaging feathers.
How long does it take to dry?
A turkey fan should dry for 2-3 days minimum in a well ventilated area. Longer (up to a week) is better to ensure the base is fully dried out.
What’s the best way to shape the feathers?
Carefully wire or glue feathers into position on a board or plaque. Let dry fully in proper shape before mounting for display.
Can I speed up the drying process?
You can use a fan or dehydrator on low setting. Avoid high heat. Circulating air helps draw moisture out faster than air drying.
How do I prevent bug or rodent damage?
Thoroughly drying the base and treating with borax prevents pests. Keep mounted fan in a clean, climate controlled environment.
What causes feathers to degrade over time?
Moisture, oils, dirt and UV light exposure degrade feathers. Proper cleaning and storage helps preserve condition.
How long will a prepared fan last?
A well-cleaned and mounted turkey fan can last over 20 years if kept clean, dry and out of direct sunlight.
Cleaning and prepping your wild turkey tail fan takes time and care, but the end result is a beautiful trophy mount you’ll cherish forever. Follow these tips and display your prized fan for years to come.
