First Thoughts on the Bone Collector Turkey Tool Fan Mount
The Bone Collector Turkey Tool Fan Mount, manufactured by Bone Collector, aims to be more than just a mounting system; it bills itself as the Swiss Army Knife of turkey hunting. I’ve seen a lot of flimsy methods for preserving turkey fans over the years, from cardboard and pins to elaborate homemade contraptions, so I was intrigued by the promise of a simple, multi-functional solution. The claim that it’s a “from the woods to the wall” design immediately caught my attention.
What led me to this product was a persistent problem: finding a convenient and effective way to display my hard-earned turkey fans. I was tired of the messy, space-consuming cardboard method. I needed a streamlined solution that could transition from the field to my den without hassle.
My initial unboxing experience was straightforward. The Bone Collector Turkey Tool Fan Mount is a single, molded piece of plastic, lightweight and simple in design. The material feels sturdy enough, but not overly robust. Initial inspection showed the build quality to be adequate for its intended purpose.
Compared to other options, like commercially available taxidermy kits that can be expensive and time-consuming, or DIY wood mounts requiring tools and skill, the Bone Collector Turkey Tool Fan Mount appealed to me because of its simplicity and claimed versatility. Other options, like basic fan mounting boards, lacked the added features of beard and spur measurement. The price point was also a major factor; at $8.99, it’s an affordable gamble.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I wasn’t blown away by the initial appearance, but the potential functionality was promising. I was eager to put it to the test and see if it could live up to its claims.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Turkey Tool Fan Mount to the Test
First Use Experience
My first use of the Bone Collector Turkey Tool Fan Mount came during the spring turkey season in the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania. I harvested a mature tom, and immediately put the tool to work. Using it to measure the beard and spurs was surprisingly handy, saving me the trouble of fumbling with a tape measure. It was especially useful in the field, where convenience is key.
I used the clip function to hold the fan open for photos. This worked fairly well, although the clip felt a little flimsy. In slightly windy conditions, it struggled to maintain a perfectly open fan. However, it definitely beat trying to hold the fan open with my hands while snapping pictures.
The true test, however, came with curing the fan. I followed the instructions and found the tool relatively easy to use for this purpose. I did notice that the plastic seemed to flex a bit under the weight of the fan, especially with a larger bird.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including processing a few more turkeys, the Bone Collector Turkey Tool Fan Mount has held up reasonably well. There are no signs of cracking or breaking, but the plastic does show some minor scratches from handling and storage. The clip mechanism still functions, but I’m mindful of its delicate nature.
Maintenance is simple; a quick rinse with water and a wipe down is all it takes to clean. Compared to my previous method of cardboard and pins, which always left a sticky residue and required constant adjustments, the Bone Collector Turkey Tool Fan Mount is a significant improvement. It is more streamlined and less messy.
While it’s not a revolutionary product, it performs its intended function adequately. It certainly hasn’t disappointed, but it hasn’t exceeded expectations either. It’s a solid, budget-friendly tool that gets the job done.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Turkey Tool Fan Mount
Specifications
- The Bone Collector Turkey Tool Fan Mount is constructed from molded plastic. This makes it lightweight and relatively durable.
- Its primary function is to hold a turkey fan open for curing and display. This eliminates the need for cardboard, pins, or other makeshift methods.
- The tool also features integrated beard and spur measurement tools. These allow hunters to quickly assess the trophy quality of their harvest in the field.
- A built-in clip allows for easy fan positioning for in-the-field photos. This feature helps hunters capture those memorable moments.
- Finally, the design incorporates a hanging feature. This allows the cured fan to be easily mounted on a wall for display.
These specifications matter because they combine multiple functionalities into one compact tool. It streamlines the process of preserving and displaying a turkey fan, making it more convenient for hunters.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector Turkey Tool Fan Mount performs its core function of holding the fan open for curing reasonably well. The plastic construction is rigid enough to maintain the fan’s shape. The beard and spur measurement tools are a welcome addition, offering a quick and easy way to assess the trophy.
However, the clip for in-the-field photos could be stronger. It struggles in windy conditions. Also, the overall durability of the plastic is a slight concern, especially with larger fans.
Overall, it meets expectations for a product in its price range. It’s a functional and convenient tool.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is adequate, but the plastic feels somewhat inexpensive. It’s lightweight and easy to handle, which is a plus. The design is simple and straightforward, with no unnecessary frills.
It’s user-friendly, with no learning curve. Anyone familiar with turkey hunting and fan preservation will immediately understand how to use it.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bone Collector Turkey Tool Fan Mount is likely to last for several seasons with proper care. However, the plastic construction is susceptible to scratches and potential cracking if subjected to excessive force.
Maintenance is incredibly easy. A simple rinse with water and a wipe down is all that’s required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector Turkey Tool Fan Mount doesn’t come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available. However, its simplicity is part of its appeal.
It is compatible with standard turkey fan preservation techniques. No specific brand accessory needed to complete the task.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Turkey Tool Fan Mount
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to all hunters.
- Multi-functional design combines fan mounting, beard/spur measurement, and photo clip.
- Simple and easy to use with no learning curve.
- Lightweight and compact for easy transport in the field.
- Provides a cleaner and more organized alternative to cardboard and pins.
Cons
- Plastic construction feels somewhat flimsy and potentially prone to damage.
- Clip for in-the-field photos could be stronger.
- Lacks any customization options.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector Turkey Tool Fan Mount?
The Bone Collector Turkey Tool Fan Mount is perfect for turkey hunters of all experience levels who are looking for an affordable and convenient way to preserve and display their trophies. It’s especially well-suited for hunters who want a simple, all-in-one solution that eliminates the hassle of traditional methods.
Hunters who are particularly concerned about durability or who handle exceptionally large turkey fans might want to consider a more robust (and expensive) alternative.
A must-have accessory would be a small bag or pouch to store the tool in when not in use, to prevent scratches and potential damage during transport.
Conclusion on Bone Collector Turkey Tool Fan Mount
The Bone Collector Turkey Tool Fan Mount is a solid, budget-friendly tool that delivers on its promise of providing a simple and convenient way to preserve and display turkey fans. While the plastic construction might not be the most durable, its multi-functional design and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for any turkey hunter.
The price is definitely justified; at under $10, it’s an affordable alternative to more expensive and complicated taxidermy methods.
I would personally recommend it to fellow turkey hunters, especially those who are just starting out or who are looking for a more streamlined approach to fan preservation. It’s a practical and functional tool that gets the job done without breaking the bank. So, ditch the cardboard and pins, and give the Bone Collector Turkey Tool Fan Mount a try. You might be surprised at how much easier it makes the process.