Mounting Your Trophy Gobbler: A Guide to Turkey Taxidermy in Kansas

The Art of Mounting a Turkey Gobbler

Spring turkey hunting season is an exciting time for hunters across Kansas. Successfully harvesting a longbeard turkey is no easy task, requiring skill, strategy and patience. But the real reward comes afterwards - when it's time to turn that trophy gobbler into a beautiful wall mount.

Mounting a turkey is both an art and a science. Done right, it will perfectly preserve your big bird's features and colors for years of proud displaying. Here's a look at the process of mounting a Kansas gobbler, from field to finish.

Field Care of Your Turkey

The work begins as soon as you attach your tag and load your gobbler into the truck. Proper field care is essential for a quality mount. Be sure to:

• Keep the bird cool. Heat speeds up decomposition.
• Don't fold the tail feathers under the bird. Folding can damage them.
• Don't wrap the feathers tight to the body. This can cause feather damage.
• Keep air circulating around the feathers to dry any blood/fluids.

The goal is to deliver as lifelike a bird as possible to your taxidermist. Take care not to damage the feathers, head, beard or feet - all important parts of the mount.

Skinning and Preserving the Cape

A quality gobbler mount begins with proper skinning and preservation of the cape (the head, neck and feathers). A taxidermist will skin the bird, leaving the feathers attached to the skin. They will preserve the cape with chemicals like borax to prevent decay until mounting.

Skinning is a delicate process. The thin skin and small feather quills can tear easily. Experienced taxidermists know how to work slowly and methodically. They use the right tools and take care around the ears, eyes, beard and wattles.

Turkey skin capes require specialized chemical preservation. Borax or commercial turkey tanning chemicals keep the skin supple and prevent decay and insect damage. Proper cape preservation is what enables your mount to last for generations.

Mounting the Form

To create a lifelike pose, your gobbler cape must be mounted to an artificial form. Taxidermists use pre-shaped foam, plastic or wood turkey forms in different poses - strutting, feeding, relaxed, etc.

The right pose depends on your taste. A strutting pose best shows off a gobbler's colors and plumage for display. A relaxed pose looks more natural. Your taxidermist can advise you on which pose works best for your bird.

Mounting the prepared cape onto the artificial form is intricate work. The taxidermist skins the form to create a perfect fit. They use pins, wires, adhesives and sewing to secure the cape in position. The ears, wattles, beard, feet and snood are also positioned how you desire.

Detailing and Final Touches

The finishing touches bring your trophy gobbler to life. Artistry and attention to detail are what separate quality turkey taxidermy from the rest.

An expert taxidermist will meticulously groom each feather to look natural. They will touch up any imperfections in the skin and adjust as needed. The legs and feet will be positioned realistically. Glass eyes matching the bird's natural color are set.

Finally, the mounting stand or habitat diorama is added to complete the display. This lets you proudly showcase your trophy Kansas gobbler for years to come.

Choosing Your Taxidermist

Your gobbler mount is a significant investment and heirloom. Choosing the right taxidermist is key to a mount you'll be proud to display.

Look for a taxidermist who specializes in turkeys and upland gamebirds. Avoid inexperienced shops that stuff all species. Ask to see examples of their best turkey mounts. Look for clean, tight featherwork with good attention to detail.

A skilled turkey taxidermist should also be able to recreate your gobbler's unique colors and plumage characteristics. This comes down to artistry and experience working with many birds.

Don't choose on price alone. Quality materials and top-notch workmanship will cost more. But the result will be a stunning, lifelike gobbler mount you'll cherish for a lifetime.

Displaying Your Mount Proudly

Done right, a turkey shoulder mount celebrates the beauty of the bird while memorializing your successful hunt. With proper field care and an expert taxidermist, your trophy gobbler can look as majestic on the wall as he did strutting across a Kansas field.

Consider accent lighting to highlight your gobbler's features. Place it where guests can admire your hunting success. Let the mount reflect on the rewarding challenges of the spring turkey woods.

A large turkey gobbler mount displayed prominently makes quite an impression. Guests will see your attention to detail and commitment to preserving your hunting memories. For any avid turkey hunter, it is the ultimate form of flattery.

FAQs

How long does it take to get a turkey mount back from the taxidermist?

It typically takes 4-6 months to complete a quality turkey mount. The taxidermist needs time for the initial preservation and tanning process, mounting, feather detailing and finishing. Rushing the work can compromise quality.

What's the best way to pose my turkey mount?

A strutting pose best displays the gobbler's colors and plumage. A relaxed pose looks more natural. Consider the mount's purpose - display impact vs. realistic appearance. Your taxidermist can advise on which pose fits your bird best.

Should I mount just the fan tail feathers?

Full turkey mounts better represent the bird and your hunting success. But fan mounts take up less space. Fans are recommended for hunters taking multiple trophies or with limited room for full mounts.

What measurements do I need for my taxidermist?

Provide your taxidermist with the gobbler's overall length, approximate wingspan, beard length, spur length and weight. Detail any unique colors or markings. Take photos of the fanned tail if possible.

How much does it cost to mount a wild turkey?

Depending on pose and extras, expect to pay $500-$750 or more for a quality shoulder mount. Larger gobblers or special habitat bases cost more. Fan mounts are $150-$300. Taxidermy is not a place to cut corners.