Hi All,
I shot a tom Saturday morning and he came in strutting. He almost appeared to have a completely light blue head. I didn't notice a speck of red or white. I guess I was trying to get the bead on his head, so I didn't pay much attention to the color when he broke strut, but I'm guessing that it was blood build up or some reaction causing the blue tone. When I got to the bird, the natural red/white/blue was back. Any input? I guess I will probably mount it somewhat the way I saw it, even if it does look like a smurf!
Thank You All,
Brady
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You answered your self. Just paint the head the way you see it as the artist/hunter. I think you will like the mount much more. Good luck with the project.
Years ago I shot one with a completely red head, but to keep the questions about my crappy paint job to a minimum, I just painted it typically. BUT, it's your turkey. You paint it the way you want it to look.
I was lucky enough to harvest another spring gobbler this morning, and when he first came into view about 90 yards his head was blood red, when I shot him at 25 yards his head was (or so it looked) snow white. When I got to the bird there was more blue than red or white. I guess that's why they call them the "Great American Bird". P.S. I agree with Jack & George, it's your bird and your imagination. Good Luck & Congrats on your bird!
Thanks everyone,
I really appreciate the input.
Take care and good luck w/ the rest of the season!
Brady
When they appear to be white they are actually (usually) interlaced with light blue in all of the creases. It is very pretty, but I've never been bold enough to paint one like that ... not to mention the fact that it would be difficult to pull it off succesfully.