Let’s Dive into Mountain Mike’s Beard Master Turkey Plaque Kit
After a successful spring turkey season, there’s always the question of what to do with the hard-earned trophies. Many opt for simple fan mounts, but for those wanting a more comprehensive display, the Mountain Mike’s Beard Master Turkey Plaque Kit offers a great solution. This kit from Mountain Mike’s allows you to showcase the fan, feet, and up to three beards, all on a classy knotty-pine finished plaque.
My grandfather always said, “If you’re gonna do something, do it right.” He instilled in me a deep respect for the animals we harvest and the importance of honoring the hunt. When it came time to display my first triple-bearded tom, I knew a simple fan mount wouldn’t cut it. I needed something that truly captured the essence of the bird and the experience.
The Mountain Mike’s Beard Master Turkey Plaque Kit arrives in a simple, no-frills package. Upon opening it, the knotty pine plaque immediately caught my eye; it feels solid and well-made. The injection-molded construction of the beard and feet mounting pieces seems durable enough for the task.
I considered building a custom plaque myself, and even looked at some of the more elaborate taxidermy options. However, I ultimately chose the Mountain Mike’s Beard Master Turkey Plaque Kit for its simplicity, affordability, and the ability to display multiple beards. This kit seemed like the perfect balance between a DIY project and a professionally finished display.
My first impression was positive; it’s a straightforward, functional kit that promises an easy way to create a lasting tribute to a successful hunt. I was excited to get started and see how it would look with my turkey’s trophies mounted.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mountain Mike’s Beard Master Turkey Plaque Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
My “testing ground” was my workshop, which doubles as my future trophy room. The process of mounting the fan, feet, and beard was surprisingly easy, taking me about an hour from start to finish.
I worked methodically, ensuring each component was securely attached. The instructions are clear and concise, making the mounting process straightforward even for someone with limited taxidermy experience. No special tools are required, making it a truly DIY-friendly project.
The only “issue” I encountered was determining the best way to position the beards for optimal visual appeal. After some trial and error, I found a layout that showcased each beard effectively.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of proudly displaying my trophy, the Mountain Mike’s Beard Master Turkey Plaque Kit has held up beautifully. There are no signs of warping, cracking, or any other form of wear and tear.
The knotty pine finish continues to look sharp, and the mounted components remain securely in place. I periodically dust the plaque to keep it looking its best, but other than that, it requires minimal maintenance.
In the past, I’ve used basic fan mounts that often felt flimsy and prone to damage. The Mountain Mike’s Beard Master Turkey Plaque Kit far surpasses those options in terms of both durability and aesthetic appeal. It’s a significant upgrade and provides a professional-looking display without the professional price tag.
Breaking Down the Features of Mountain Mike’s Beard Master Turkey Plaque Kit
Specifications
- Knotty-Pine Finished Plaque: The plaque is made of knotty pine, providing a rustic and classic look that complements any hunting trophy room. This finish adds a touch of elegance that a plain board simply can’t match.
- Displays Up to 3 Beards: Designed with specific attachment points, the kit allows hunters to showcase up to three beards from different hunts or a single bird with multiple beards. This is a great way to display the history of your hunts.
- Easy, Do-It-Yourself Kit: The kit is designed for easy assembly, requiring minimal tools and effort. This makes it accessible to hunters of all skill levels.
- Tough Injection Molded Construction: The feet and beard mounting pieces are made from durable injection-molded plastic. This ensures long-lasting performance and secure attachment of your trophies.
Performance & Functionality
The Mountain Mike’s Beard Master Turkey Plaque Kit performs its job admirably by providing a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing way to display turkey hunting trophies. It’s a simple yet effective solution for preserving memories and showcasing successful hunts.
The kit excels in its ease of use and ability to display multiple trophies on a single plaque. The only potential improvement would be offering different finish options for the plaque to cater to varying tastes.
The kit exceeded my expectations, providing a professional-looking display at a fraction of the cost of custom taxidermy. It’s a practical and visually appealing way to honor a successful hunt.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is well thought out, with the knotty pine finish adding a touch of class. The overall weight is manageable, making it easy to hang the plaque on a wall.
The kit is extremely user-friendly. Even someone with no prior experience can easily assemble the display in under an hour.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mountain Mike’s Beard Master Turkey Plaque Kit appears built to last. The knotty pine plaque is solid, and the injection-molded components feel durable.
Maintenance is minimal. A simple dusting is all that’s required to keep the plaque looking its best for years to come.
Accessories and Customization Options
The kit includes everything needed to mount the fan, feet, and beards, eliminating the need for additional purchases.
While the kit doesn’t offer specific customization options, the knotty pine plaque can be easily painted or stained to match individual preferences. The user can also explore different beard and feet arrangements to create a unique display.
Pros and Cons of Mountain Mike’s Beard Master Turkey Plaque Kit
Pros
- Affordable price: Offers a professional-looking display without breaking the bank.
- Easy to assemble: Requires minimal tools and effort, making it accessible to all skill levels.
- Durable construction: Ensures long-lasting performance and secure attachment of trophies.
- Displays multiple beards: Allows hunters to showcase multiple trophies on a single plaque.
- Classy knotty pine finish: Adds a touch of elegance to any trophy room.
Cons
- Limited customization options: Only available in one finish.
- Injection-molded plastic: Some may prefer a more natural material for the mounting pieces.
Who Should Buy Mountain Mike’s Beard Master Turkey Plaque Kit?
The Mountain Mike’s Beard Master Turkey Plaque Kit is perfect for turkey hunters of all experience levels who want an affordable and easy way to display their trophies. It’s ideal for those who have successfully harvested multiple birds or a single bird with multiple beards.
Hunters seeking a completely custom and elaborate display may want to explore professional taxidermy options. If you are looking for a simple and effective display on a budget, this plaque is for you.
A simple set of wood screws or picture hanging hardware, if not already available, would be useful to have on hand for mounting the plaque to the wall.
Conclusion on Mountain Mike’s Beard Master Turkey Plaque Kit
Overall, the Mountain Mike’s Beard Master Turkey Plaque Kit is an excellent product that delivers on its promise of providing an easy and affordable way to display turkey hunting trophies. The knotty pine finish adds a touch of class, and the durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
At a price of $21.99, the value proposition is undeniable. It’s a fraction of the cost of professional taxidermy and offers a similar level of visual appeal.
I would definitely recommend the Mountain Mike’s Beard Master Turkey Plaque Kit to any turkey hunter looking for a simple, affordable, and visually appealing way to showcase their hard-earned trophies. Don’t let those memories gather dust in a box – mount them proudly and relive the thrill of the hunt every time you see them!