You’ve done it!
You’ve called in that gobbler, waited patiently as he strutted into range, and made your shot count.
Now what?
Before you toss that bird in the freezer or pick a few feathers for keepsakes, consider preserving the moment with a turkey mount that shows off all that hard-earned glory.
Turkey mounts are an underrated gem in the world of taxidermy.
They’re eye-catching, full of personality, and (bonus!) they don’t take up nearly as much room as a full deer or bear mount.
Whether you’ve got a whole trophy room in the works or just a single wall to work with, wild turkey taxidermy can add a burst of character and natural beauty to your space.
And if you’re here in the Lehigh Valley, you’re in luck!
There’s no shortage of natural materials and local flair to inspire your turkey’s final pose.
From rustic man caves to cozy cabins, a well-done turkey mount fits right in.
Let’s talk about four popular (and fun) ways to pose your wild turkey mount, plus some creative twists to make it your own.
1. The Full Strut: When Your Tom Deserves the Spotlight
If turkeys had red carpets, this is the pose they’d pick.
The full strut is bold, majestic, and undeniably cool.
It’s the moment when your Tom puffed up like a feathered rockstar, tail flared and chest puffed, either to impress a hen or tell other Toms to back off.
In taxidermy terms, that translates to an unforgettable mount.
You’ve got options here:
- Full strut: maximum fluff and fanfare
- Three-quarter strut: slightly more compact, but still dramatic
- Half strut: great for tighter spaces but still lets those feathers shine
Each version is mounted on a solid base, often a slice of nature that mimics the bird’s environment.
Natural moss, wood, leaves, or even local stones from the Appalachian trail or Lehigh River banks are awesome additions.
Adding these touches helps bring the scene to life and gives your mount a sense of place.
This is your best pick if you want your bird to command attention in a big way.
2. The Chill Stand: Laid-Back and Classic Turkey Mount
Not every mount has to shout.
Some just… stand there and look awesome.
The standing pose (also known as the walking pose) is a favorite for good reason.
It’s elegant, space-saving, and adaptable.
This pose features the turkey standing upright with its wings folded and tail relaxed, which makes it perfect if your bird has minor feather damage or if you’re working with a hen.
It’s also one of the easiest to fit into smaller display areas.
Bookshelves, mantels, narrow ledges…you name it.
You can take it a step further by adding a scenic base to show off your turkey strolling through a Pennsylvania woodland floor.
Picture some dried ferns, pinecones, or fall leaves tucked around the base to bring the outdoors inside.
This pose gives off a “caught mid-stroll in the forest” vibe.
And what’s not to love about that?
3. The Beard & Tail Combo: Minimalist, but Mighty Turkey Mount
Let’s say space is limited.
Maybe your garage is already full of gear, or your home office wall has exactly one open spot.
That doesn’t mean you can’t still display your prize turkey.
The streamlined tail and beard mount option focuses on two of the most impressive parts of your turkey: the fan and the beard.
Mounted on a wood plaque (go rustic with barnwood or polished walnut for that classy finish), it creates a sharp, bold centerpiece without requiring much wall space.
Even better?
It’s cost-effective and a great way to preserve a bird if the body suffered damage during the hunt.
It also works well for youth hunters or first-timers who want to commemorate their harvest without going all in on a full-body mount.
You can even add personalized touches like a nameplate, date, or short quote.
It’s simple, affordable, and still tells your story.
4. Mid-Flight Moment: Big Drama
If your ceiling’s tall and your walls are wide, go big with a flying pose.
This dynamic option captures your turkey in motion.
Wings spread, tail fanned, and neck extended as if it just burst from the forest floor.
It’s not just a mount.
It’s a moment frozen in time.
Flying mounts are perfect for larger display areas like high-ceiling living rooms, entryways, stairwells, or above a stone fireplace.
Depending on the layout, you can mount the bird flat against the wall or position it on a ceiling bracket for extra realism.
Either way, it’s going to get attention.
This pose also gives your taxidermist the chance to showcase the bird’s full feather detail and wingspan.
And gives you a true visual masterpiece.
And if you’re proud of the clean shot that left those wings untouched, this is the pose that will make them shine.
No matter which pose you choose, don’t forget to bring in a little local flavor.
The Lehigh Valley is full of natural beauty, and adding elements from the region into your mount base or backdrop adds a meaningful touch.
- Rocks from your hunting property
- Dried leaves, acorns, or bark from local woods
- Handcrafted wooden plaques from Pennsylvania artisans
- Tags, dates, or photos added to the display for a personal story
These touches turn your mount from just another taxidermy piece into a tribute to a specific time, place, and memory.
A great turkey mount is more than a decoration.
It’s a trophy, a memory, and a work of art.
And just like your hunt, it deserves expert handling.
Whether you’re thinking full strut, flying high, or just looking to keep it simple with a beard and tail plaque, find the perfect pose and customize the details to fit your space and style.
Ready to make your turkey unforgettable? Contact Turn’ER Wild Taxidermy today to talk poses, pricing, and creative ideas. We’ll help you stay true to the hunt…and Stay Wild.