Turkey tail question ....

Sandman · Post by **Sandman** » Tue Apr 28, 2009 11:47 am

When hunting in the rain and you have harvested a bird which is soaked once all is said and done .. Can the tail still be used and what is the best way of making sure not to damage it?

Thanks in advance ..

Robin

R.J. · Post by **R.J.** » Tue Apr 28, 2009 3:58 pm

I had one that was drenched in the river last season and the tail was pooched !

I have had the rain soaked ones turn around with gentle drying and brushing the feathers ... depends on how bad it got soaked .

BTW .. Congrat's on your 1st 2009 bird ! .... looking forward to some pictures .. sounds like you had an exciting morning !

Sandman · Post by **Sandman** » Tue Apr 28, 2009 5:31 pm

Thanks RJ - I hung him in the garage and put a gentle air (fan) on him most of the day .. The tail came back but I dont think I can mount it. I think I will use it on my new Strutting Tom decoy (it comes with instructions on using a real tail with it).

RJ - Thanks for a great hunt yesterday as well.

The pics are coming right now.

Cheers

ecoaster · Post by **ecoaster** » Tue Apr 28, 2009 5:46 pm

Congrats on the rainy day bird.

I only heard one gobble this morning and a shot soon after, then no more gobbling.

mikej · Post by **mikej** » Tue Apr 28, 2009 9:29 pm

congrats

crazyfarmer · Post by **crazyfarmer** » Wed Apr 29, 2009 9:14 am

I didnt use the one from my opening day bird since he was soaked and muddy from falling into the stream bottom. I'd use it on your decoy as you said and old out for a better one.

this is one reason im not big on rainy day hunts now... the bird isnt all that purty when he's wet

Wayne B · Post by **Wayne B** » Wed Apr 29, 2009 6:49 pm

Jeez.. I've seen some sites that talk about mounting them when they get muddy and bloody, and they say to SOAK them in soapy water to clean them up! That being said, I've never done one but I'll try to post the site.

Sandman · Post by **Sandman** » Wed Apr 29, 2009 7:13 pm

Thanks lads ..

Wayne B · Post by **Wayne B** » Wed Apr 29, 2009 8:56 pm

Try this.. http://www.jimallred.com/turkeytailmounting.aspx

Sandman · Post by **Sandman** » Wed Apr 29, 2009 11:46 pm

That's great .. Thanks for the link and the help.