The Ultimate Guide to Displaying Your Turkey Spurs

As an avid turkey hunter, there’s no better feeling than bagging that big tom turkey you’ve been after all season All your preparation has paid off the moment you make that perfect shot. But the hunt doesn’t end there Now it’s time to commemorate your trophy by properly displaying the beard and spurs.

Displaying your hard-earned turkey spurs is a time-honored tradition among hunters. Not only does it showcase your success, but it allows you to relive the hunt every time you look at them. With the right technique and materials, you can create a spur mount that will last a lifetime.

In this guide, we will walk through everything you need to know about preserving and displaying your prized gobbler’s spurs. From how to remove them properly to mounting techniques, you’ll have all the information needed for a spur display you can be proud of.

Removing the Spurs

The first step is removing the spurs from the bird’s legs carefully to avoid damaging them. Here’s how to do it:

• Wait until the turkey has fully expired before attempting to remove the spurs. This ensures the legs are limp and muscles relaxed.

• Lay the turkey on its back with legs outstretched Pluck any feathers around the shank and spur area

• Gripping the foot firmly, use game shears or a sharp knife to cut through the tendons around the spur’s base.

• Gently work the spur loose, twisting it back and forth while applying slight upward pressure. Go slow to avoid breaking the spur off.

• Repeat the process for the other leg. Rinse the spurs in water to remove any dirt, tissue or blood.

• Pat the spurs dry with a paper towel and allow them to air dry fully before mounting.

The key is taking your time and avoiding force when removing the spurs. The skin and tendons will cut easily if the legs are relaxed. Proper removal will give you a flawlessly intact spur for mounting.

Preparing the Spurs for Display

Once removed from the legs, there are a couple steps to prepare the spurs for the best display:

Cleaning

After air drying, you may notice tissue, fat or cartilage still attached to the spur base. Use a knife to carefully trim any leftover tissue so the spur base is clean.

Whitening

To create an eye-catching spur mount, you’ll want to whiten or bleach the beige-colored spurs. This brings out the fine details and gives them a bright, polished look.

Submerge the spurs in a diluted whitening or bleaching solution like hydrogen peroxide. Let them soak for 12-24 hours until reaching the desired whiteness. Rinse and dry completely.

Conditioning

The spurs may become brittle after whitening. Use a product like turpentine or mineral oil to condition the spur shafts. Soak for 5-10 minutes, remove, and let dry. This preserves the spur and restores flexibility.

With cleaned, whitened, and conditioned spurs, you’re ready to mount and display your trophy.

Mounting Materials and Methods

To showcase your spurs, you’ll need to affix them to a mounting plaque or board. There are a few options for materials:

Wood

Barnwood, cedar, oak, and poplar are good wood choices for a rustic, natural backdrop. Cut a board about 10 inches wide to comfortably fit a pair of spurs.

Sand, stain, and seal the wood with polyurethane prior to attaching the spurs. This gives a finished look and prevents warping.

Marble or Granite

For a more elegant presentation, marble or granite slabs make an eye-catching plaque. The color patterns and stone textures provide a unique backdrop.

Seal the surface with epoxy resin so the stone won’t absorb moisture. Granite and marble can be heavy, so mount the plaque to a sturdy support.

Plexiglass

Plexiglass (acrylic glass) has a modern, transparent look when used as a spur mount. LED lights can illuminate the spurs from behind for a dynamic display.

Cut, drill, and polish the edges for clean lines. Plexiglass can be fragile, so handle carefully and use adhesive tabs when mounting the spurs.

Shadowbox Frame

For a three-dimensional effect, use a shadowbox frame with a background like barnwood or faux leather. Affix the spurs on stand offs 1-2 inches from the back.

This floating look highlights the spurs. Integrated LED strip lighting can enhance the display. Use museum wax or gel to hold the spurs in place.

Corkboard

For an inexpensive and casual option, mount the spurs on a corkboard panel. Use tacks or adhesive to affix them to the surface.

Cork provides contrast against the spurs. Display alone or embellish with turkey photos, feathers, and hunting memorabilia.

Mounting Adhesives

You’ll need a strong adhesive to permanently affix the spurs to the mounting surface. Here are some good options:

• Epoxy – Epoxy makes a permanent bond that won’t loosen over time. Use slow-dry epoxy to allow time for adjustments.

• Construction Adhesive – Look for heavy duty construction adhesives that bond different materials like Gorilla Glue. Avoid flexible glues.

• Cyanoacrylate Gel – “Super glue” gel provides quick bonding power. Use for delicate displays like plexiglass to avoid cracking the surface.

• Two-Part Epoxies – Multi-part epoxies like JB Weld are ideal for heavy spurs on wood, stone, or metal. It won’t weaken or yellow over time.

For epoxy and construction adhesive, roughing the mounting surface slightly improves adhesion. Avoid getting adhesive on the visible shafts or bases of the spurs. Apply pressure while drying for maximum strength.

Mounting Position and Technique

Once you’ve selected the mount material and adhesive, it’s time for the fun part – positioning and adhering the spurs. A proper mounting technique will keep them secure for life:

• Plan the layout before adhering. Space the spurs 4-6 inches apart at a slight outward angle.

• Apply adhesive to the backside of the spur bases, keeping it off visible areas. Use clamps or tape to hold them in place.

• Ensure spurs are pressed flat to the surface as the adhesive dries. The bases should make full contact for maximum strength.

• Allow adhesive to cure fully (12-24 hrs) before removing clamps. Test that spurs are firmly fixed by gently wiggling.

• On plexiglass and floating shadowbox mounts, use adhesive gel tabs as a second reinforcement.

Take your time while positioning the spurs during mounting. Once bonded, adjustment is difficult. The finished product will display your trophy spurs for a lifetime.

Displaying Your Mounted Spurs

You put in the painstaking work to create your one-of-a-kind turkey spur mount. Now it’s time to show it off! Here are some creative ideas for putting your spur display on exhibit:

• Hanging mount – Suspend the plaque or shadowbox horizontally at eye level on the wall. Use strong picture wire and hidden hooks.

• Shelf mount – Place the mounted spurs on a bookshelf, mantle or credenza. Angle slightly upward for best visibility.

• Tabletop stand – For marble or granite slabs, use an easel, small stand, or cabinet feet to create a tabletop display.

• Turkey trophy case – Incorporate spurs on a memory board with photos, feathers, calls and other memorabilia in a framed case.

• Man cave display – Hang your spur mount in a game room, office or man cave with other hunting trophies and gear.

• Turkey tail fan pair – Mount beard and fanned tail feathers opposite the spurs for a symmetrical display.

However you choose to exhibit them, your skillfully mounted spurs will draw the eye and spark conversation. Let everyone admire the trophy from your successful hunt.

Maintaining and Repairing Your Display

To keep your mounted spurs looking sharp for years to come, proper maintenance is key:

• Dust display regularly with a soft brush or microfiber cloth. Avoid excess moisture.

• Check adhesive bonds annually. Reapply epoxy or glue if any loosening occurs.

• Re-apply whitening solution yearly if spurs dull or yellow. Soak and gently scrub with soft brush.

• Refinish or reseal wood plaque if scratches or water damage occur over time.

• Repair cracks in stone or plexiglass. Fill cracks and re-seal surface to prevent damage spread.

• Replace background if corkboard or fabric becomes overly faded. Carefully remove spurs and remount.

With occasional upkeep and repair as needed, you can enjoy your cherished turkey spur display for a lifetime