It’s almost spring turkey time and I have had several people contact me who are going to try and have their spring turkey mounted this year. They have asked if I had any tips I could give them for proper field care and handling.
I tell all my clients and potential clients that proper field care will decide if they get just a mediocre quality turkey mount from their Taxidermist or an exceptional quality mount from their Taxidermist. It all starts with field care.
One of the most important things you should try and do before the shot is making a very good shot to the head. Try not to shoot your turkey in the body if at all possible. After the shot, there are some important things you can do to prevent feather damage to your t turkey. When you shoot your turkey, it is going to flip and flop like mad. When he does this, feathers will begin to rip and tear off your bird. They often flop so wildly, it is not uncommon for them to break their own wings.
The best thing you can do to avoid this, is to run up to your bird as fast as you can and grab it by the legs, (below the feather line) and hold the bird up so his chest is facing you. Let him flap his wings into the side of your legs. Hold him there until he dies which usually doesn’t take that long.
Now you can lay your bird on the ground and high five your buddies and congratulate everyone. Now you probably want to take pictures of your trophy Tom. Try not to use your hands to "comb" the feathers in place before the picture taking, because when the bird is warm like that, the feathers will pull right out in your hands especially if your hands are wet or the plumage is wet from rain, blood, etc. Instead just pick up the bird by the legs, (again below the feather line) and gently shake it, and the feathers will fall right in place for that perfect picture.
After pictures are taken, try to transport your bird by picking it up by the feet and carrying it that way until you get to your vehicle. If you drape it over your shoulder to carry it, you will lose feathers for sure.
When you transport it, try not to wrap the bird in a bag. If possible just lay it on one so air can get to the bird and cool it off as much as possible. Do not gut the bird or take the breast meat out of it, otherwise it probably won't be mountable, or will cost you a lot for the repairs if it can even be repaired for mounting.
If possible try and get your bird to your Taxidermist as soon as you can after you shoot it. If you can’t get it to your Taxidermist right away, try to get it home as soon as you can. Lay the bird on a table and wrap the head in a plastic bag, because the head is full of blood by this time. Place the head under a wing and make sure all the feathers are laying right and wrap the bird in a plastic garbage bag and tape it shut and put him in the freezer right away. Be careful not to lay him in a way that the feathers or tail fan get broken.
If it is going to be a long while before you get your bird to your taxidermist, double wrap the bird in a plastic garbage bag and place in a NON frost free freezer.
If you follow these tip's you should have a great specimen for your Taxidermist to provide you with a quality mount and memories that will last a life time. Hope this helps. Like always, if any of you have any questions at all feel free to call or e-mail me. Talk with you all soon. John
