One of the best things about punching your turkey tag is that the chores that follow are quick and simple. There’s no arduous work involved like, boning lots of meat, packing heavy loads, and grueling hikes out of the backcountry. That also goes for the task of preserving your trophy, like the fan. It’s really simple. You can complete the whole job of displaying your turkey on your own, quick and easy, without shelling out the bills to your taxidermist. The following info will show you exactly how to prep a turkey fan for display.
The hardest part of the process, which really isn’t hard at all, is removing the tail fan from the bird. The main thing to keep in mind is to cut ahead of the meat holding the feathers, not the feathers themselves.
Once you have the fan removed from the bird, you simply need to apply Borax to the flesh and meat and tack the fan down to a wooden board or piece of cardboard for drying. Again, it’s very simple. Just make sure the feathers are spread out and displayed how you want them in the end. There’s no adjusting them once they dry. I typically let my fans dry for a month, although they are probably good to go in a matter of weeks.
The Borax is a product that you can buy from your local store. You’ll find it with the laundry detergent products. It dries out and preserves the fleshy areas and remaining meat on the tail fan.
A do-it-yourself turkey fan is a simple way to put your memories on the wall, and save some coin along the way. Other than the Borax, you’ll probably already have everything you need laying around the house or in the garage. Give it a try when you kill your turkey this spring.
For avid turkey hunters, preserving and displaying a beautiful turkey tail fan is a rewarding way to commemorate a successful hunt. Curing a turkey fan properly ensures the feathers remain intact and colorful for years to come Follow these simple steps to turn your prized turkey tail into a decorative showpiece
Harvest the Tail Feathers
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After harvesting your turkey, lay it on its breast and locate the base of the tail feathers above the vent.
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Make a shallow cut through the skin to reveal the cartilage knob that attaches the feathers.
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Carefully cut through the knob to detach the entire tail fan.
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Scrape off any excess fat, tissue and down feathers, but leave the main feathers intact.
Prepare the Feathers
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Gently wash the feather base with dish soap and rinse thoroughly.
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Pat dry with a towel or use a hair dryer on low setting to dry the feathers.
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Apply a generous coating of borax powder to the skin and feather bases.
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Borax absorbs moisture to cure and preserve.
Air Dry the Fan
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Obtain a wooden board larger than the fan to use as a drying platform
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Arrange the feathers into a fully spread fan shape.
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Place T-pins alongside each feather shaft to hold the fan open.
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Set the drying board in a dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight.
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Allow at least 1 week of drying time, up to 3 weeks for full curing.
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Flip the fan and re-pin halfway through drying.
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Check frequently and apply more borax if moisture develops.
Mount and Display
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Once completely dry, decide on display method. Options include:
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Arranging loose fan on a plaque
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Attaching to a solid wood plaque with adhesive
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Using a purchased turkey fan mounting kit
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For decoys, strengthen base with auto body filler before attaching.
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Keep displayed fan out of direct sun to prevent fading.
Caring for Your Displayed Fan
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Clean feathers periodically using a soft rag and alcohol/lacquer thinner.
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Wipe gently in direction of feathers to avoid damage.
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Keep fan dusted and check for pests. Address any issues immediately.
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Consider displaying fan under glass or acrylic case for extra protection.
Alternative Curing Methods
While borax works well for most, here are a couple other options:
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Salt – Bury fan in salt for 1-2 weeks, changing salt halfway through. Rinse before display.
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Glycerin – Submerge feathers in glycerin solution for 1-2 months. Hang to dry before arranging fan.
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Taxidermist – Hire a professional to fully preserve and create custom mount. Cost is $150-$300 typically.
Helpful Tips for Best Results
Follow these tips for a perfectly cured turkey fan:
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Choose the largest, fullest fan possible from a mature tom.
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Remove tailbone flesh thoroughly before curing.
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Spread feathers evenly to showcase fullness.
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Ensure adequate airflow around fan while drying.
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Check fan frequently to prevent mold or mildew.
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Apply additional borax if moisture develops during curing.
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Handle feathers gently by shafts to avoid damage.
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Use razor blade to trim shafts once dried, if needed for display.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the right drying time?
Minimum 1 week. Up to 3 weeks for full curing. Thicker flesh at base takes longest.
How do I keep feathers intact?
Never cut into feather shafts. Handle only by shafts when arranging fan.
Can I use salt instead of borax?
Yes, but borax is recommended for degreasing and preventing odor/pests.
What color will the feathers be?
Feathers cure slightly lighter but still resemble original colors when dried.
Do I need anything else besides borax?
Small board, T-pins, glove, and razor blade. Optional: plaque, filler, acrylic case.
Conclusion
Learning how to properly cure a turkey fan is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps for beautiful preserved feathers that will provide years of enjoyment displayed in your home or lodge. With careful handling and ample drying time, your memorable turkey harvest can be commemorated with a decorative turkey tail fan.
