couple questions before i start my turkey mount

Slow down, freeze that bird and do some more research. If it were that damn easy, don't you think everyone would do it? If you are intent on doing this read up on it purchase at least one good video, the proper size form and materials, and go from there. If you are just planning to have a stuffer decoy than give it hell but if you have any hopes of having a halfway decent mount take your time.

 

I see no reason why this won't turn out beautiful.

 

Man, you are picking the wrong species for your first attempt at taxidermy. Listen to 3bears.

 

I agree with 3bears.

 

On second thought, I agree with Cole, please post photos when you're done.

 

I have mounted 1 turkey and 3 ducks so birds are not my forte yet but turkey's for a first project in taxidermy is like taking a shop class and trying to recreate the Empire State Building. These guys are right. Only reason my first turkey looked ok was hours of study and watch people like James, Page, and Mark mount ducks and picking their brains. The first time I washed a turkey I thought I lost every feather it had there was so much skin showing. Good luck and post picks.


Posted using Outdoor Hub Campfire

 

I agree with the others. First thing I would do would be mount a pheasant. They are a good bird to start on. You can buy one from a game farm if you don't hunt them. A strutting turkey is not an easy turkey mount to start with either. Good luck.

 

There are no good turkey mounting videos on youtube. Especially Jason Gierike's videos. Search the forum archives to find a good dvd. There is a thread here in the beginners section that lists all the good ones.

 

It's not that jason's video isn't any good, I've seen it, it is just outdated. Go to the suppliers sections and buy a turkey mounting cd to start with.

 

OK OK, just another poster child for my claim: "You Can't Cure Stupid". So here's your answers.

1. You don't need ANY T-pins. Using an excelsior body, the pins would be useless as they have no place to anchor.

2. All sawdust isn't created equal. Taxidermists use HARDWOOD sawdust. It has little oil and no tar to gum up feathers. It has no color to stain feathers. HARDWOOD SAWDUST is what you need.

3. A coarse wire brush wheel will work better on the tough turkey skin.

4. You use the biggest wire you can get in the legs. Probably #6 for the legs and the wings will depend on if the bird is flying or standing.

5. Wood wool should be soaked and then formed. Once formed, the the excelsior should be sewn to form the musculature and then wrapped with cotton thread. The neck can be made with macrame rope.

Make sure you show us a picture of that wonder.

 

Me too. Can't wait to see it.

 

Best advise to you...Is don't practice on a nice Tom like that......
Start with smaller birds.....save the big guy for when you get a few under your belt.....

 

A strutter is the hardest bird to do with absolutely no experience. A video is just baby food. You will need to do a dozen birds before a light comes on and they start looking half nice. Good luck, and press on.

 

You were given some good advise on doing a turkey mount. No one said don't do it at all, just learn more first. Watching one video on line will not make you know how to do it. If you really care to make a decent mount of your "trophy" bird, then do some more research. Just knowing what supplies to order will not make a passable mount. These people on this site are trying to help you, not discourage you from trying.

 

I guess it shocks me that any newbie would attempt to wrap a turkey body with all the decent foam body's out there. Look forward to seeing your finished bird.

 

Get Tim Jordan's video.