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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Cowdoc on June 14, 2010, 07:26:00 PM

Title: Tanning a rattlesnake skin
Post by: Cowdoc on June 14, 2010, 07:26:00 PM
What do you do with a buzztail skin after it has been removed from the snake.  I'd kind of like to preserve it somehow.  Thanks for any tips.
Title: Re: Tanning a rattlesnake skin
Post by: rastaman on June 14, 2010, 08:35:00 PM
Thread #1 (http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=045738#000000)  

This is the only thread that i found that might help.  i know there are a bunch of folks on here that have preserved skins so maybe they will see your post and jump in eventually.  Actually, i think most folks just keep them long enough to "skin" another bow.    :)
Title: Re: Tanning a rattlesnake skin
Post by: Cowdoc on June 14, 2010, 08:56:00 PM
Thank you for doing the search.  I need to figure that out.  I wasn't necessarily going to skin a bow with it though.  I did skin the snake, put it in a zip lock baggie full of water and put it in the freezer.  It was starting to get an odor.  Now I have to figure what to do with it.
Title: Re: Tanning a rattlesnake skin
Post by: Shedrock on June 14, 2010, 11:09:00 PM
I just staple them to a board, flesh them with a spoon, and let it dry for a couple hours in the wind and sun.

I make sure my wife doesn't see me fleshing a snake with one of "her" spoons.
Title: Re: Tanning a rattlesnake skin
Post by: FerretWYO on June 14, 2010, 11:20:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Shedrock:

I make sure my wife doesn't see me fleshing a snake with one of "her" spoons.
This step is very important.   :biglaugh:  

You can get a "reptile tan" from Van Dykes taxidermy supply.

 Maybe this will help (http://www.vandykestaxidermy.com/product/108431/reptile-tanning-kit)
Title: Re: Tanning a rattlesnake skin
Post by: Ranger B on June 14, 2010, 11:38:00 PM
I do the same as Shedrock. Just tack them stretched out and scrap the meat off - there shouldn't be much. They dry fast and then I roll them up and keep them until I'm ready to put them on a bow. They are super easy.
Title: Re: Tanning a rattlesnake skin
Post by: Chris Shelton on June 15, 2010, 08:48:00 AM
if you are not going to put it on a bow and just want to keep it for like a wall mount it needs to be tanned or it will rott over time!!!
Title: Re: Tanning a rattlesnake skin
Post by: Doc Nock on June 15, 2010, 09:10:00 AM
Jeeze, nobody mentioned cutting a long willow switch??  That is what my Daddy did when he was gonna tan my hide!   :saywhat:    :knothead:    :bigsmyl:  

I'd listen to Chris. They make beautiful wall hangings, but get some tanning solution so it doesn't go bad!
Title: Re: Tanning a rattlesnake skin
Post by: JimB on June 15, 2010, 09:19:00 AM
The best way is to tan it with Rittel's reptile tan.You can do a search of taxidermy supply companies or PM me.Freeze it until you get the kit.It comes with complete instructions.It is a true tan,unlike some home formulas.