To Tan or Not To Tan
Tanning a hide can be quite the venture for someone who has never attempted. Yes, there is the University of Google or YouTube State University, but this is no small venture. The hundreds of hours that go into landing this animal can keep most from risking destroying the pet due to a poor video on YouTube. There are two categories when looking into Tanning or Taxidermy; Fur bearing animals, and hide animals. Fur animals consist of; Bears, Raccoons, Musk Rats, Beavers, Rabbits, Foxes, and Coyotes. Hide animals consist of: Elk, Deer (all of the subspecies), Wild Boar, Mountain Goats, and Moose. Lastly, you have snake skins to add to the list for all of you lucky enough to kill a Rattler. Our country has deep ties to trapping and fur trade. Hell, Manifest-Destiny was pushed by fur-trading companies building outposts throughout the unexplored parts of America. If you’re looking for some good reads or Audiobooks, check out The Revenant or The Journal Of A Trapper or American Bison: In Search Of A Lost Icon
I Personally learned the hard way what not to do… This Coyote was shot about 2 hours from home near a goat farm that was experiencing a major issue with their local predators.
After picking up my skinned coyote from my friend’s house, I took it back to my house. The Yote fur smelled of rotten meat. Looking for guidance, I went to the University of Google and read a technique on “Dryer Cleaning” to be exact. This technique consisted of putting your fur into a pillow case, then tying the pillow case and placing it into your dryer with multiple scented dryer sheets. Did I ask my wife for permission to begin this venture? No… and I paid the price. The knot came undone, the coyote fur went all about the dryer. The heat cooked up the rotten meat smell which multiplied the scent by 100x’s. My wife was furious to say the least. Our daughter was almost 1 at the time, so we were doing laundry on a daily basis. I spent 2 days bent over into the dryer pulling out coyote fur and rubbing it down with vinegar. I had to take apart the filter and pick out all of the fur. I was in the dog house for quite some time.
If you’re looking to get a hide caped by a professional, that can run you $400-1,000. Or the famous incredible shoulder mounts can cost you quite a bit. But the cost is well worth it when it is your first buck or the monster you’ve been looking for. A good taxidermist is an artist that is well worth their price. When debating which taxidermist to go with, speak with them and get to know them. A good taxidermist can be a lifelong relationship.
For the men that live their lives saying, “I can do it myself”, the company:
Advanced Tanning Solutions provide options for fur or hide tanning solutions for all you DIY individuals. For the hide tanning kit, it is a $149.00. This kit consists of: Fleshing/Shaving Tool
Detergent
Pickle Tan
Hide Oil
Hair Gloss & Conditioner
Softening Stone
Silk Powder
Dust Mask
Microfiber Towel
Non-Latex Disposable Gloves (2)