Build a Hunter’s Wreath This Christmas

Around here, we show our love for the outdoors every chance we get. One way is to put together a Christmas wreath with fresh evergreen boughs, such as pine or cedar with juniper berries, plus turkey feathers, a shed whitetail antler, and other outdoor treasures.

Give your Christmas decorations a hunter’s touch.

You don’t have to use the same things we do, and our wreaths are never the same from year to year, but when you get the basic construction down, you can add anything you like. Pine cones are nice, as are any type of game-bird feathers, a dogwood or holly limb with bright red berries, or whatever you come across on your trips afield.

Juniper or holly berries add a nice splash of color.

The wreaths add a Christmasy fragrance to your house and bring a smile as you remember past good times in the outdoors.

Buy a pre-made bow or make your own.

Most of the supplies you will need are probably lying around the house already. You might need to pick up the wire ring that serves as the base to your wreath. You can find those at most hobby stores this time of year or order them online.

Most of what you need is probably already on hand around the house.

Tools and supplies:

• 18-inch wire wreath ring

• Spool of green floral wire

• Hot glue gun

• Work gloves

• Wire cutters

• Evergreen boughs; we used pine and cedar

• Turkey tail fan feathers

• Deer antler

• Pre-made bow or Christmas colored ribbon for bow

Other possible additions:

• Holly branch with berries

• Magnolia bough

• Turkey box call

• Slate call or strikers

• Pine cones

• Shotgun shell hulls from a memorable hunt

Start with the evergreen boughs as the base. Layer them in a circle around the wire ring, using the floral wire to attach them to the frame. Wire them in snuggly to prevent them from falling out as you move and hang the wreath.

Wire the evergreen boughs to the wire frame.

Add the turkey fan feathers, wiring them to the base as you go. Working from the back side of the wire ring helps hide the floral wire and makes tying everything in easier.

Attach the feathers to the frame by wiring them in.

Add the bow and deer antler to the bottom of the wreath. Use the hot glue gun to attach other decorations around the wreath as desired. Make it look as rustic or finished as you like.

Add a shed antler or any other decorations you like.

Hang your wreath inside or out. The pine and cedar smell nice indoors or on an entrance door as you come inside. When the holidays are finished, simply snip the floral wire to free everything. Save the base ring, feathers, antlers and bow for next year, and discard the rest.

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