I usaully charge highly for this information, but I will wave all since you guys are LSBA bowhunters.
If you want a nice fan take care from the time you pick it up.
1. Before you pull the bird, fold the tail forward over the birds back so it will stay clean.
2. Cut around the vent like you would when feild dressing a deer. You can then cut all the way to the chest and pull the bird.
3. With the tail folded forward, cut from the vent, to and thru the back bone. A good pair of snips(That every good spring turkey hunter has in his vest) works well. Be carefull not to cut thru the back skin,.....yet.
4. The back skin should be the only thing attaching the tail at this time. Carefully skin the back for 4 or 5 inches, capturing those nice big, black feathers. Then cut thru the skin removing the tail.
Note: you can remove the tail in the manner above before you pull the bird.
5. You can now wash the tail removing any blood and guts. Dont ring out the water, but grasp the tail between your fingers and thumb and slide towards the tips. It will look like hell, but not to worry, it will be fine when its dried and groomed.
6. Slide it, folded nice and neat, into that empty bread wrapper you have left over from all of those beanut butter sandwiches, and place it on ice. Keep it out of the water and on top of the ice. Any platic bag will work.
7. When you get home, take it to your friendly taxidermist and he will take it from there.
Dont forget those feild photos! Take them before the bird stiffens up so you can spread the wings and tail. Pull back the cap so everyone can see your ugly mugs! Its best to stay out of the direct sunlight.
Also keep the shotgun shell. I use the brass to display the beard or place in the middle of the tail fan.
If you want to try mounting it yourself, that will have to be another post...... I need to get to work! :lol:
turkey tail
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