Shadetree Taxidermist

[ncturkey]

I thought I would start a little thread on the Shadetree Taxidermist.I try to do a little taxidermy work just for my self.I love to hunt turkeys.I guess you really did not notice.I use some old ways of preserving my turkey capes.I use Tweny Mule Team Borax.I am changing to chemical's next.I have been told this will preserve the capes for alot longer.I save the beards and spurs from ever turkey I take.Here is a sample of my work. The rug mounts have a 2 x4 board to support the cape with wires.The jake fans in the middle were caped and dried and perserved with the borax.Then I applied two part epoxy to the base of the fan and the skin.A hook was added in with the epxoy to hang the fan mount.Michelle feel free to run with this post has you see fit.All the help us Shadetree Taxidermist can use your help.Thanks ncturkey

[Huntress]

Nice collection of turkey mounts!

IMO borax is a fine preservative for bird skins as long as you flesh ALL the meat and fat from between the quills. Be sure the bird is well washed, use a good degreaser and fully dry before applying. I've used a borax based preservative for years with good results.

If you try a new type of tan for bird skins let me know how they turned out.....I'm always willing to try something new.

[barreledaction]

Wow - I did my first bird mount using Twenty Mule Team Borax back when the Vand**e Taxidermy course was using it - about 50 years ago. Brings back some memories. You can get a free catalog from Vand**e Taxidermy just for the asking.

[loserchumpandfool]

i've got a turkey skin that my friend killed 10 years ago that we used borax on and it is still in excellent condition

[trkyhntr]

Those are some nice mounts, Mike! ;D

[mrjbigfoot]

Yea, I think your mounts look great!!! ;D

[Mobe]

nice wall of feathers