Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: wingnut on January 12, 2007, 10:30:00 PM

Title: Never look a gift snake. . . .. .
Post by: wingnut on January 12, 2007, 10:30:00 PM

Well as a bowyer you get calls now and then from friends and customers that have something to give you or sell you.  The other day we got just such a call.  A good friend of ours called and said he just got a snake and wondered if I wanted it.  Well duh!!  I said sure if it's big enough for backing a limb.  He said no problem and that he thought it might cover two limbs.  Cool.

He also said he didnt' have room in his freezer cause he just got a bunch of pigs.  Again no problem, mines pretty full but I can fit in a snake as long as I don't tell Connie.

Well we had some errands to run and took off.  Soon after we returned, the door bell rings an here's our friend.  He asks where he should put it.  I said in the big freezer.  He smiles and says OK.

Hmmmmnmm, somethings up so I follow him outside to find this:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v79/mwestvang/tradgang%20pics/snake_1.jpg)

We uncoiled it and here it is again

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v79/mwestvang/tradgang%20pics/snake_2-1.jpg)

A close up of the head and tape

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v79/mwestvang/tradgang%20pics/snake_3.jpg)

This is a 14 ft. 70 pound albino python.

We'll be skinning it tomorrow if it's thawed.

And getting the skin cleaned up and dried.

I guess we will have some pretty exotic backing for sale soon.

Moral of the story:  Never look a gift snake. . . but ask how big it is.

LOL

Mike

Title: Re: Never look a gift snake. . . .. .
Post by: adeeden on January 12, 2007, 10:32:00 PM

Well that's something you aren't gonna find everyday!

Title: Re: Never look a gift snake. . . .. .
Post by: OzarkRamblr on January 12, 2007, 10:37:00 PM

That'll make some funky cool bow camo...

Title: Re: Never look a gift snake. . . .. .
Post by: IB on January 12, 2007, 10:38:00 PM

:scared:    :scared:    :help:  That Sucker could SWALLER a feller........Run Wing RUN

Title: Re: Never look a gift snake. . . .. .
Post by: hormoan on January 12, 2007, 10:43:00 PM

Looks like trouble trying to get a pattern to fit on a mortals bow.

Then I've heard you Texans think big!

                Brent

Title: Re: Never look a gift snake. . . .. .
Post by: Charles K. on January 12, 2007, 10:45:00 PM

sausages anyone??  :)

Title: Re: Never look a gift snake. . . .. .
Post by: Pat B on January 12, 2007, 11:03:00 PM

Mike, That can be for your new limited eddition "DISCO" bow you will offer in the spring...or with those colors, Lily Pulitzer bow. LOL   Pat

Title: Re: Never look a gift snake. . . .. .
Post by: AZStickman on January 13, 2007, 06:54:00 AM

Ahhhh a new line of Dryads..... The yellow rose of Texas...... Terry

Title: Re: Never look a gift snake. . . .. .
Post by: TimBow2 on January 13, 2007, 07:01:00 AM

that's a grown one

Title: Re: Never look a gift snake. . . .. .
Post by: Osagetree on January 13, 2007, 07:03:00 AM

Snow camouflauge!

I'd buy enough from you for one bow 64" long.. How much you asking?

Title: Re: Never look a gift snake. . . .. .
Post by: wingnut on January 13, 2007, 07:31:00 AM

Lets see how it comes out when we get it skinned and dried.  I pretty sure the white will be somewhat translucent.  It will be like rawhide though and great for selfbows.

BTW Jason called and he has a regular colored one comeing also.  Must be a bad time of year to be a big snake.

Mike

Title: Re: Never look a gift snake. . . .. .
Post by: Osagetree on January 13, 2007, 08:10:00 AM

Keep me posted,,, I am interested!

Title: Re: Never look a gift snake. . . .. .
Post by: Bob Barnes on January 13, 2007, 09:12:00 AM

too cool...my python and boa skins are thicker than my rawhide and make very very good backings for selfbows.  Man, would some of that be pretty on a big old yew longbow Mike...?     :wavey:

Title: Re: Never look a gift snake. . . .. .
Post by: Tom Leemans on January 13, 2007, 09:21:00 AM

That begs to go on something like, say... a St.Judes bow?

Title: Re: Never look a gift snake. . . .. .
Post by: wingnut on January 13, 2007, 12:15:00 PM

Well that sure is a possibility.  Dang temp dropped below freezing last night and is not due to get up above again til Wednesday or so.

Gotta go check my map and make sure we are in Texas.

LOL

Mike

Title: Re: Never look a gift snake. . . .. .
Post by: KyGal on January 13, 2007, 01:50:00 PM

Way cool. What might kill big pet reptiles? Perhaps the owners got tired of buying rabbits? Or maybe the neighbors figured out where all their pets dissappeared to...

Title: Re: Never look a gift snake. . . .. .
Post by: wingnut on January 13, 2007, 02:27:00 PM

I'm told this one had a Respiratory illness that prevented it from breeding.  It came from a commercial breeder and died of natural causes.

We just finished skinning it and fleshing.  Rolled it up and put it in the freezer til it warms up some and we can dry it.

Mike

Title: Re: Never look a gift snake. . . .. .
Post by: SOS on January 13, 2007, 04:25:00 PM

Just spread it out, you can "freeze dry" it!

Title: Re: Never look a gift snake. . . .. .
Post by: Jreyna920 on January 14, 2007, 10:37:00 AM

will defenetly be one of a kind

Title: Re: Never look a gift snake. . . .. .
Post by: crashcastle on January 17, 2007, 10:37:00 AM

well today theres no reason for a freezer its probably warmer in there then here