I would like to know what is the accurate position for the legs and feet on a flying turkey mount, ached up under the body, or stretched out to the rear? Call me dumb, stupid or whatever. I mounted one turkey flying with the feet streched out toward the rear. Looked real good to me. Then I saw another turkey mounted flying with the feet up under the body like it would be if the turkey was crouched on a limb. Got me to wondering and thinking. I have seen several live turkeys fly away, but have never been able to see the correct position of the legs and feet. Have not seen very many reference pictures of them flying either. I need some help here!
Thanks in advance!
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Generally, when a Turkey takes to flight the bird will crouch down and use there strong legs to get themselves moving upward, upon springing off the ground they will draw there legs up and out of the way so as not to get caught on any brush or limbs. The bird will continue flying in this manner until moments before landing. For customer mounts I like to bring the legs down a little though.
Most gamebirds fly feet forward. Waterfowl feet to the rear except for landing.
Like John said, upland game birds tuck their feet up under the breast as soon as they are fully airborne. If they are forced to make a sudden course correction the feet may be dropped slightly and shifted to one or the other side for balance. This pose lasts only a split second, though.
(Thanks to my pet turkeys for choosing NOT to collide with my head when flying, and for showing me the aerobatics they are capable of when they are motivated!)
Nancy M.