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After a successful spring turkey hunt, you need to choose how to preserve your gobbler’s memory. Options range from simple fan displays to elaborate full-body taxidermy. Each method offers distinct advantages in cost, effort, and presentation. Whitetail Woodcrafters specializes in hardwood craftsmanship that enhances these mounts with durable plaques and shadowboxes. Whitetail Woodcrafters can help you compare fan mounts, shadowboxes, and full struts so you can decide based on budget, available space, and desired impact.
Fan mounts focus on the tail feathers, creating a compact tribute to your bird. This style suits hunters who want a straightforward display without extensive taxidermy work. You start by removing the fan from the turkey, cleaning away any meat and fat from the base. Correct preservation involves spreading the feathers and pinning them to a board for drying. The process takes up to four weeks in a dry area to prevent rot or insect damage. Once dried, attach the fan to a plaque for stability. Whitetail Woodcrafters offers options like the Arrowhead 2 Piece Turkey Plaque in oak or walnut, measuring 12 to 18 inches wide. These provide a rustic base that highlights the fan’s colors against natural wood grains.
DIY kits are great for beginners and seasoned hunters alike due to their low cost and simplicity. All the materials needed, like borax, pins, and a basic plaque, total under $50. You control the entire process, from cleaning to final assembly, adding a personal sense of accomplishment to cap off your trophy hunt. For those short on time, pre-made kits include everything needed, reducing steps while maintaining quality.
This approach is built to fit any skill level. Clean the fan base thoroughly with a knife, then use borax to draw out oils. Dry in a fan position on a piece of cardboard, secured with pins along the quills. The result preserves the vibrant feathers without the need for professional help, making it accessible for your very first harvest or a quick project.
Wall-mounted fans require minimal room, often just 2 feet of vertical space. They hang flat against surfaces, ideal for dens or garages without crowding shelves. Compared to bulkier options, this saves floor space while keeping the trophy visible and prominently displayed.
Plaques enhance the stability and aesthetics of the fan. Whitetail Woodcrafters’ designs incorporate keyhole hangers for a secure installation. You can position them at eye level for the perfect display, turning a plain wall into the focal point of the room. This setup works well in homes with limited square footage, allowing multiple displays side by side.
Add elements like the beard and spurs for a complete tribute to your turkey. Attach them below the fan using shotgun shells or hooks for a total thematic touch. Engraving on plaque elevates the piece, and Whitetail Woodcrafters can add this service to your purchase, letting you add names, dates, or quotes on the plaque for a truly one-of-a-kind mounting option.
Choose hardwood for its longevity. Oak resists wear, while walnut provides a deep finish that complements the colors of the feathers. These additions transform a basic fan into a personalized memorabilia piece, preserving the hunt’s details for years to come.
Shadowboxes enclose the fan and accessories in a framed case, offering protection from dust and damage. This style displays the tail, beard, spurs, and even calls or shells behind glass. The benefits over traditional fans include better preservation, as enclosed items stay clean without frequent handling. Shadowboxes also allow multi-dimensional arrangements, creating depth that fan mounts lack.
Whitetail Woodcrafters produces barnwood versions like the Turkey Barnwood Shadow Box with Tail Cap and Beard Hanger. This accommodates up to 11 beards on shotgun shells, with enough space for spurs. The reclaimed wood frame adds rustic appeal, blending seamlessly into the aesthetic of any room.
Construction involves mounting the fan on a backboard, then adding your chosen memorabilia. Glass fronts will shield the contents while permitting views from multiple angles. Costs can range from $100 to $200 for custom pieces, higher than basic fans but lower than full taxidermy. Maintenance on shadowboxes is simple, just wipe the exterior occasionally to keep it free from dirt or dust. You can also incorporate photos or tags, turning the display into a complete narrative of the day’s hunt you want to remember forever. This option is great for trophy rooms, extending the mount’s lifespan significantly.
Full strut mounts capture the turkey in a dynamic pose, with feathers fanned and the body fully preserved. This involves skinning the bird, treating the hide, and positioning it on a form. Professional taxidermists can handle details like strutting posture, giving the turkey lifelike expressions. The result showcases the entire bird, from beak to tail.
Costs for decent taxidermy can average $500 or more, depending on the pose complexity and the degree of artisan skill. Basic standing mounts cost less while flying or gobbling versions can add expense due to custom forms and the difficulty. Space needs can vary, as standing mounts may occupy 2 to 3 feet of space on a shelf or table, while wall versions save floor space. Height can reach 2 feet, fitting most rooms but requires a dedicated spot. But the payoff is a realistic turkey posed in a natural stance that makes it a beautiful centerpiece for serious trophy collectors.
Fan mounts are the most affordable option ($20–$100) and the easiest to create, and many hunters finish a DIY fan mount in just a few hours. Maintenance is minimal beyond just the occasional dusting. Shadowboxes fall in the middle ($100–$200). They require moderate skill to assemble but offer excellent protection, needing only occasional glass cleaning. Full strut taxidermy is the premium choice ($500–$1,150), but it’s the most complex and almost always requires a professional taxidermist. It also needs careful dusting and humidity control to keep the feathers in top condition.
Choosing the perfect turkey mount comes down to three main things: your budget, available space, and what your goals are. If money is tight and you want something quick, go with a fan mount, it’s inexpensive, easy to DIY, and still looks great on the wall. Have plenty of room and want your trophy to steal the show? A full strut taxidermy delivers that lifelike, wow-factor display. For most hunters who want a nice balance of protection, detail, and size, a shadowbox hits the sweet spot, being secure, attractive, and still wall friendly. Match the style to your space: rustic wood plaques blend perfectly in a cabin or lodge, while a hardwood setup works in a modern room. Whitetail Woodcrafters makes the decision easier with beautifully crafted engraved plaques and shadowboxes. Their quick turnaround means you can get your custom piece fast. As spring turkey season gets closer, now’s the time to plan how you’ll display your next tom and to start building something you’ll be proud to show off for years.
