How Long Does a Turkey Fan Mount Take?

By MountChief Editorial Team|Updated Mar 2026

The short answer: A turkey fan mount (fan, beard, and spurs displayed on a panel) typically takes 4-10 weeks. A full-body turkey strutter mount takes 3-6 months. Turkey work doesn't go to a tannery, which makes it faster than deer or elk work.

TL;DR

The drying time is what drives the 4-10 week range.
skilled taxidermist who does significant turkey volume can sometimes complete a strutter in 6-8 weeks.
Fan mounts with a 4-6 week turnaround are achievable at most shops.
A skilled taxidermist who does significant turkey volume can sometimes complete a strutter in 6-8 weeks.
Shop volume: A shop that primarily does deer work and processes 5-10 turkeys per year may queue turkey work behind their big game.
The short answer: A turkey fan mount (fan, beard, and spurs displayed on a panel) typically takes 4-10 weeks.

Turkey Fan Mount Timeline

A fan mount displays the tail fan, typically alongside the beard and spurs, on a wooden plaque or panel. It's the most popular and affordable turkey taxidermy option.

What happens during those 4-10 weeks:

The tail is separated from the body and the base is cleaned of flesh
The tail is spread to its full display position and held with pins or a spreader while drying
Borax is worked into the base to prevent decomposition
The beard is cleaned and preserved, often wrapped in borax or a commercial preservative
Spurs may be cut from the leg and preserved separately or mounted attached to a leg section
Everything dries thoroughly (rushing this causes the tail to lose its spread)
The dried and preserved components are mounted on a wooden panel or in a frame
Final detailing and finishing

The drying time is what drives the 4-10 week range. A fan base that isn't completely dried before mounting will lose its shape over time. Good taxidermists don't rush this.

Full Turkey Strutter Timeline (3-6 Months)

A full-body strutter, the whole bird, posed in breeding display, is significantly more complex:

Complete skinning and preservation of all feathers
Degreasing (critical for turkey skin, which has significant fat content)
Form selection and fitting
Feather replacement and positioning for individual feathers that were damaged
Head and caruncle (the red and blue skin on the head and neck) may be a commercial head or reproduced by the taxidermist
Detailed finishing and painting of exposed skin

Unlike deer work, there's no tannery step. The whole timeline is bench time. A skilled taxidermist who does significant turkey volume can sometimes complete a strutter in 6-8 weeks. Most mid-volume shops run 3-5 months.

What Affects Your Timeline

Shop volume: A shop that primarily does deer work and processes 5-10 turkeys per year may queue turkey work behind their big game. A shop that specializes in birds or does significant turkey volume will move faster.

Season timing: Spring turkey season (April-May for most states) is when turkey drops are concentrated. If you drop off in May during the rush, you may be in a queue. If you drop off a frozen bird in July, the shop is usually less backlogged.

Complexity of the pose: Fan mounts are relatively quick. A full strutter in an elaborate pose with habitat takes longer than a standard strutter on a basic base.

Bird condition: A turkey with feather damage from shot, rough handling, or improper storage takes more time to finish well. Taxidermists may need to source and graft feathers for significantly damaged birds.

How to Preserve Your Turkey Before Drop-Off

Fan mounts: separate the tail fan from the body immediately after harvest, fold it carefully, wrap in paper towels, and freeze in a zip-lock bag. The fan can stay frozen until you're ready to drop off.

Full-body mounts: do NOT gut the bird. Keep the feathers as clean and dry as possible. Fold the wings gently against the body, wrap loosely in paper towels (absorbs moisture), put in a plastic bag with air removed, and freeze immediately. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator before delivery, never in warm water.

FAQ

Can I get a turkey fan mount done before hunting season ends?

Often yes, if you drop off early in the season. Fan mounts with a 4-6 week turnaround are achievable at most shops. If you need it for a specific date (a birthday, a spring turkey season display), tell your taxidermist at intake, they can often prioritize fan mounts because they're simpler and don't require form fitting or tannery time.

What parts of a turkey can be mounted?

Fan tail display: fan, beard, and spurs, the classic combination. Wings can be added to the panel. Full-body strutter: entire bird in display pose. Flying mount: bird posed in flight with wings spread, requires significant feather work and takes longer. Some hunters also do a simple beard-only display or spurs mounted separately.

How much does a turkey fan mount cost?

A standard fan and beard panel typically runs $75-$175 depending on region and shop. Adding spurs to the same panel might add $25-$50. A full-body strutter runs $400-$700+. Wing extensions or elaborate habitat bases add cost. Turkey work is among the more affordable taxidermy options precisely because of the shorter timeline and lower material costs versus big game shoulder mounts.

How does this apply to solo taxidermy shops?

The principles in this guide apply to solo shops just as they do to larger operations, though the scale differs. A single-person shop may have lower absolute volume but faces the same documentation, compliance, and customer communication requirements. The practical advice here scales down to any shop size.

What is the most common mistake taxidermists make with aeo turkey fan mount how long?

The most common mistake is treating aeo turkey fan mount how long as an afterthought rather than building it into the standard workflow from the start. Shops that encounter problems in this area typically did not establish clear processes before season, which means every situation becomes a one-off decision rather than a standard response.

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Sources

National Taxidermists Association (NTA)
US Fish & Wildlife Service
Ducks Unlimited

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