Tail feathers

[david0]

Hey im just wondering what you guys do to protect tail feathers. Im riding in on mountain bikes this year and i dont want to mess them up. I think i will be gutting right when we I shoot one so all i will be bringing back down would be the meat and tail feathers. Im leaving early in the morning.

[Lingcod]

I havent got a turkey myself yet, but i watched a video where a guy folded the tail feathers together rold them in newpaper then in cardboard and taped it all together with duct tape. If i get a turkey on sunday thats what i think i will do with the tail feathers.

[Birdguy]

If all you are bringing down is meat and tail feathers you should be able to collapse (fold it up) the tail for the trip out and then do what you want with it once you are out of the woods. I assume you will have a back pack of sorts, perhaps a 14-16 inch long piece of cardboard you could fold around it to protect it.

You may want to check the regs, I believe you are required to leave the bead attached as proof of legal harvest at least while in the field. I am not certain but if you come off the hill with a fan and meat someone may question you  .  I think the regs state bird must be a tom or have a visible beard. I think it is tough to prove legal harvest with a tail and meat. Perhaps someone else on here knows the exact requirements just trying to keep you out of potential trouble.

[david0]

Thanks I didn't think about that birdguy! Great now I have to ride back down with my 20lb tom in my back pack. Oh well

[Moose22]

• It is illegal to possess in the field or transport game birds
unless a feathered head is left attached to each carcass, except
falconry-caught birds.

[turkeydancer]

 
Correct ... feathered head must remain attached ....
 
How's that work with the Gobbler Getter type heads for  archery which are meant to lop off the heads ... just wondering.
 
I bought the Cabelas blood proof orange bag with shoulder straps for aboyt $10 12 years ago.  Just fold up the fan and slide the bird in ... makes it easier and safer for transport and keeps everything in great shape.