DIY Beard Mounts

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Over the years I've known many turkey hunters who have a cigar box or a drawer full of turkey beards and assorted spurs. In most cases the beards have not been preserved in any form and many are in a dismal state. I have actually seen beards where the base disintegrated and all that was left was a handful of loose hairs. With a small amount of work this could have been prevented and the hunter would still have a fine trophy to remember.

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I like to preserve and mount my beards, spurs and shotgun shells together and have found a very simple method that works quite well.

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Along with your beard, spurs and shotgun shell, you will need the following items: 12-inch section o 2×4 Drill with 5/16 and 3/8 bits Old arrow or wooden dowel Salt Borax Hammer Nail Boot lace Silicone ealant Plastic clothespin Scissors Pencil Towels

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After taking your gobbler, grab the tom's beard at the root, where it meets the chest, and tug it out. Then, take a hacksaw and make two cuts as close as possible above and below the spur on each leg. Take a wooden match or similar object and push the marrow out of the bone. You should have two round holes running through each leg section. Put about one-half inch of salt in a styrofoam cup and add the beard and spurs making sure to coat each with salt.

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After a week or so, remove the beard and spurs and break off the ball of hardened salt that will likely be attached to them. Replace with a new salt/Borax mixture and let stand for at least two months.