How to Mount a Turkey Fan: Your Guide for Automotive Spaces

Hey there, buddy! So, you’re curious about how to mount a turkey fan? I’m thrilled to chat about this with you because it’s such a cool way to bring a bit of the outdoors into our automotive world. I still remember the first time I mounted a turkey fan in my garage—it was like adding a trophy to my car haven that screamed pride and adventure! After years of hunting, tinkering in my shop, and perfecting my fan mounts, I’ve got all the know-how to share. Whether you’re decorating your garage, carport, or mancave to show off your hunting skills alongside your classic ride, this guide’s got you covered.

Let’s sit down, like we’re hanging out by the workbench with a cold drink, and I’ll walk you through every step in simple terms. This article is packed with tips for anyone in the USA wanting to create a stunning display. Ready to turn that turkey fan into a masterpiece? Let’s dive in!

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What Is a Turkey Fan?

A turkey fan is the tail feathers of a wild turkey, spread out to show their beauty. These feathers are long, colorful, and iridescent, making them a perfect trophy. I love how they shimmer in my garage under the shop lights. Hunters like me save the fan to remember a great hunt. Mounting it means preserving and displaying it, often on a plaque or board.

In automotive spaces, a turkey fan adds a rugged, outdoorsy vibe. I hung mine above my toolbox, and it’s a conversation starter when buddies come over to wrench on cars. It’s like a badge of honor for us gearheads who hunt.

Why Mount a Turkey Fan?

Mounting a turkey fan is more than just decor—it’s personal. Here’s why I’m hooked:

Preserves Memories: Each fan tells a hunt’s story. My first fan reminds me of a chilly spring morning.

Looks Awesome: The feathers’ bronze and green glow pop in a garage. My shop feels like a trophy room.
Affordable: DIY mounts cost $20-$50 vs. $150 for a taxidermist. I saved big doing it myself.
Customizable: Add beards, spurs, or shotgun shells. I glued my shell to the mount for flair.

Fits Anywhere: Perfect for garages, carports, or offices. Mine’s above my car lift.

For car folks, it’s a way to blend our love for the outdoors with our automotive passion, making our spaces feel unique and lived-in.

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

Mounting a fan needs some basic gear. I’ve done this enough to know what works. Here’s my list:

Sharp Knife: For cutting meat and bone. My $15 pocket knife does the job.
Scalpel or X-Acto Knife: For precision trimming. I spent $10 on a craft scalpel.

Wire Brush: To scrub fat off quills. My $5 brush is a lifesaver.
Borax: Preserves and dries the fan. I got a $4 box at Walmart.
Cardboard: To pin the fan flat. I used an old box for free.

Push Pins: To hold feathers in place. A $2 pack works fine.
Bondo: Auto body filler to seal the base. I paid $12 at Home Depot.
Plaque or Mount Kit: For display. My $20 Hunter Specialties kit looks pro.

Hot Glue Gun: For attaching extras like beards. My $8 gun’s reliable.
Screwdriver: To mount the plaque. I use my shop’s Phillips.
Ladder: For hanging high. My $50 ladder’s sturdy.

Gloves and Mask: For safety with Borax. I spent $5 on disposables.

I spent about $40 on supplies I didn’t already have. Check hardware stores, Walmart, or Amazon for deals.

Preparing the Turkey Fan

Prep is the key to a great mount. I learned this after my first messy attempt. Here’s how I do it:

Freeze First: Store the fan in a plastic bag in the freezer right after the hunt. I froze mine to kill mites and prevent rot.
Thaw Slowly: Let it thaw in the fridge for a day. I thawed mine overnight to keep it fresh.
Cut the Fan: Grab the tail feathers and cut above the anus, keeping the fleshy base. I used my knife to free the fan.

Clean Feathers: Wash with dish soap if dirty, then dry with a hairdryer on low. I cleaned blood off my fan for a shiny look.
Remove Extra Feathers: Pluck small back feathers for a neat fan. I kept a few for my mount’s front.

This takes 30 minutes but sets you up for a clean, lasting mount. I work on a tarp in my garage to keep things tidy.

Removing Meat and Fat

This is the tedious part, but I’ve got it down. Here’s my process:

Cut Big Chunks: Use a knife to remove large pieces of meat and the tailbone. I sliced off the pygostyle bone first.

Scrape Fat: Use a wire brush to scrub yellow fat from quills. I brushed front and back for 20 minutes.
Precision Trim: Use a scalpel for small meat bits between quills. I spent 15 minutes getting every speck.
Check Quills: Separate each quill with a knife to remove hidden fat. I made sure no grease was left.

Clean Again: Wipe with a damp cloth if needed. I gave mine a quick wipe to finish.

This step takes about an hour. I play some music in my shop to make it less boring. The cleaner the fan, the longer it lasts.

Drying and Preserving the Fan

Drying keeps your fan bug-free and solid. I use Borax for this. Here’s how:

Spread Borax: Rub a generous layer on the quills and skin. I used a glove to work it in.
Fan Out Feathers: Lay the fan on cardboard and spread feathers into a semicircle. I arranged mine for symmetry.
Pin in Place: Use push pins to hold each feather. I pinned 20 feathers to keep the shape.

Add Weight: Place a board on top to keep it flat. I used a spare plank from my shop.
Let Dry: Leave it for 2-3 weeks in a dry, safe spot. I kept mine in my garage corner.

I check weekly and add Borax if it’s damp. My fan dried stiff in 18 days, ready for the next step.

Sealing the Fan Base

Sealing makes the fan sturdy for mounting. I use Bondo for this. Here’s my method:

Mix Bondo: Follow the package instructions to mix a small batch. I used a $2 plastic spreader.
Apply to Base: Spread a ¼-inch layer over the quills’ base. I covered all exposed tissue.

Smooth It: Shape it flat while wet. I used my spreader to even it out.
Let Cure: Leave it overnight to harden. My Bondo was rock-solid by morning.
Drill a Hole: Use a ¼-inch bit to drill through the Bondo for mounting. I drilled slowly to avoid cracks.

This took 20 minutes plus drying time. I did it in my shop’s ventilated area to avoid fumes. The Bondo base makes screwing the fan to a plaque easy.

Choosing a Mounting Plaque

The plaque is your fan’s stage. I’ve tried a few styles. Here’s what to consider:

Wood Plaques: Classic and sturdy. My $20 walnut plaque looks classy.
Leather Covers: Rustic vibe. I saw one at a buddy’s shop but stuck with wood.
Mount Kits: Include beard or spur holders. My Hunter Specialties kit had a beard slot.

DIY Plaques: Cut your own wood for a custom shape. I made one from scrap pine for practice.
Size: 7×6 inches for most fans. My plaque fits my fan perfectly.

I spent $20 on a store-bought kit. Check Amazon, Walmart, or hunting stores like Cabela’s for options. Pick one that matches your garage’s vibe.

Attaching the Fan to the Plaque

Mounting the fan is the fun part. I felt like an artist here. Here’s how I do it:

Position Fan: Hold the fan on the plaque to find the best spot. I centered mine for balance.
Screw It In: Use a screw and washer through the Bondo hole into the plaque. I used a $1 screw from my shop.

Secure Tightly: Tighten with a screwdriver, but don’t crack the Bondo. I gave it a firm twist.
Add Extras: Glue on the beard or spurs with hot glue. I glued my beard in a shotgun shell base.
Hide Base: Cover the Bondo with leather or a decorative cap. My kit included a brass cap.

This took 15 minutes. I stepped back and grinned when my fan was up—it looked pro above my workbench.

Adding Beards and Spurs

Beards and spurs make your mount personal. I love this touch. Here’s my approach:

Save Beard: Cut it from the turkey’s chest, leaving some skin. I froze mine with the fan.

Clean Beard: Scrape fat and rub with Borax. I dried mine for a week.
Mount Beard: Glue into a shotgun shell or plaque slot. My shell mount cost $1 in craft supplies.
Save Spurs: Cut leg bones with spurs, clean marrow, and dry with Borax. I kept an inch of bone.

Attach Spurs: Glue or tie to the plaque. I tied mine with $2 leather cord.

This adds 30 minutes but makes your mount pop. My beard and spurs tell the full story of my hunt.

Hanging Your Turkey Fan Mount

Hanging your mount is the final step. I hung mine high for impact. Here’s how:

Pick a Spot: Choose a visible wall in your garage or shop. I picked up my toolbox.
Find Studs: Use a $10 stud finder to secure the plaque. I hit a stud for strength.

Add Hanger: Attach a sawtooth hanger to the plaque’s back. My kit included one.
Screw to Wall: Use a $1 wall screw and level it. I used a $5 level for a straight hang.
Step Back: Check the look and adjust. I tweaked mine an inch left for perfection.

This took 10 minutes with a ladder. My fan shines under my garage lights, tying my hunting and car worlds together.

Maintaining Your Turkey Fan Mount

A little care keeps your mount looking fresh. I do these steps yearly:

Dust Feathers: Wipe with a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol. I cleaned mine last month.

Check Glue: Ensure beards or spurs are secure. I re-glued my shell once.
Avoid Sunlight: Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading. My garage wall’s shaded.
Inspect for Bugs: Look for mites or damage. I spray permethrin yearly for $8.

Tighten Screws: Confirm the plaque’s firm. I tightened mine after a year.

Maintenance takes 10 minutes annually. I do it while organizing my shop, keeping my mount pristine.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Things can go wrong, but I’ve fixed most. Here’s what to watch for:

Feathers Falling: Not enough Bondo or meat left. I re-glued loose feathers with hot glue.
Bad Smell: Missed meat or fat. I cleaned a smelly fan with Borax again.
Uneven Fan: Poor pinning during drying. I re-pinned and dried a wonky fan.

Bug Damage: Mice or mites ate feathers. I now store fans high and spray insecticide.
Fading Colors: Too much sun. I moved a faded mount to a darker wall.

I keep spare Borax and glue in my shop. If it’s bad, a taxidermist can fix it for $50-$150.

Safety Tips for Mounting a Turkey Fan

Safety keeps this fun. I’ve learned these the hard way:

Wear Gloves: Avoid Borax on skin. I use $2 disposable gloves.

Use a Mask: Don’t inhale Borax dust. My $3 mask works fine.
Ventilate Bondo: Work in a garage with open doors. I avoid fumes this way.
Sharp Tools: Handle knives carefully. I cut myself once—ouch!

Stable Ladder: No wobbly chairs for hanging. My ladder’s rated for my weight.

I keep a first-aid kit in my shop. Safety lets me enjoy my mount without worry.

Cost of Mounting a Turkey Fan

This is a budget-friendly project. Here’s my breakdown:

Supplies: Borax ($4), Bondo ($12), plaque ($20), tools ($15 if bought). Total: $51.
Optional Extras: Shotgun shell ($1), leather cord ($2), permethrin ($8). Total: $11.
Tools I Had: Knife, screwdriver, ladder. Saved $50 here.

Total DIY: $62 for my mount.
Taxidermist Cost: $150-$300 for pro work. I saved $100+ doing it myself.

I shopped at Home Depot and Walmart. Sales or borrowing tools cut costs even more.

Using Turkey Fan Mounts in Automotive Spaces

Turkey fans fit perfectly in car spaces. Here’s how I use mine:

Garage Trophy Wall: Above my toolbox for pride. My fan sparks hunt stories.
Carport Decor: Rustic vibe for parked rides. I saw one in a buddy’s carport.

Shop Mancave: Pairs with car memorabilia. My fans’s near my vintage signs.
Tool Area: Addsa character near workbenches. Mine’s by my socket set.
Showroom: Highlights classic cars. I saw a fan in a car museum.

My garage feels like a hunter’s shop, blending my love for cars and the outdoors. A fan mount makes any space pop.

Using Turkey Fan Mounts in Automotive Spaces

Table: Borax vs. Salt for Preserving

Here’s how Borax and salt compare:

Material	Pros	Cons	Cost	Dry Time
Borax	Dries well, kills bugs, long-lasting	Dusty, needs gloves	$4/box	2-3 weeks
Salt	Cheap, available	Attracts bugs, smells, less durable	$1/bag	3-4 weeks

I chose Borax for its bug protection. Salt’s riskier in garages where pests lurk.

Why I Love Mounting Turkey Fans

Mounting a turkey fan is like building a car part—it’s hands-on and rewarding. I feel like a craftsman when I pin feathers or screw the plaque up. It’s a cheap, fun way to show off my hunt while making my garage my own. My fan’s been a focal point for five years, tying my automotive and hunting passions together. I’m hooked on the pride it brings.

Wrapping It Up with a Proud Display

Hey, friend, you’re now a turkey fan mounting pro! From cleaning feathers to hanging your plaque, you’ve got all the skills to create a killer display. I remember my first mount, nervous about messing up, but now I grin every time I see my fan glowing in my shop. Head to your garage, grab that fan, and build a trophy with confidence. Whether it’s above your toolbox or by your ride, your mount will shine. So, spread those feathers, screw on that plaque, and bask in the pride—I’m cheering you on!

FAQ

What is a turkey fan mount?

It’s a preserved turkey tail feather display, often on a plaque. I hung mine in my garage.

Why use Borax instead of salt?

Borax dries better and keeps bugs away. I chose it to protect my fan.

How long does it take to mount a turkey fan?

About 3-4 hours total, plus 2-3 weeks drying. I did mine over a weekend.

Can I mount a turkey fan without a kit?

Yes, use cardboard and DIY plaques. I made one from scrap wood.

How much does a turkey fan mount cost?

DIY is $20-$60; taxidermists charge $150-$300. I spent $62.

Where can I buy supplies for a turkey fan mount?

Home Depot, Walmart, Amazon, or Cabela’s. I got Borax at Walmart.

How do I keep bugs off my turkey fan?

Use Borax and spray permethrin yearly. I store mine high in my garage.