dry tanned deer cape

[Jackjr]

How long will a dry tanned deer cape last.  I have heard that over time they slowly break down.   Is this true?

[boneaddict]

I've heard multiple things, and it depends on what dry tan you used.  I have heard as short as 10 years and as long as 30.   I have several that range from 15-18 years and they've held up ok.  I no longer use that method except for rare occasions.

[boneaddict]

Let me add that they degrade faster in humid conditions or where there is larger fluctations in the air.  So in the arid west, they would last longer than say back east, and they would last longer in your house versus in the garage.

[Jackjr]

Thats kind of what I thought.   I have also heard sometime when you rehydarat a real old tanned cape the hair sometimes slips.  I am sure it depends on the quality of the tan. 

[Hunting Cowboy]

I don't claim to know for sure, but if you have a cape tanned and hope to mount it in the future, the sooner you can do it the better. I've heard you can preserve a commercially "dry" tanned cape longer if you double bag it, roll it up tight and keep it in the freezer. I have mounted deer with capes that were 4 - 5 years old and my experience is they'll mount up just fine but usually with less stretch than a freshly tanned cape.

[Michelle_Nelson]

All good info.  It also depends on the tan being used.  I have heard thatsome tans should be used within a year.  When you go to rehydrate some of the older tans it will slip or the skin itself will fall apart like tissue paper.

[bucklucky]

I had a customer that had a dry tanned cape he had tanned 8 years ago. Told him it would probably fall apart and it did. Just like tearing tissue paper. That was from a tannery in california and I am having a major brain fart right now so I cant tell you the name. Not sure of the tan they use either.

[Michelle_Nelson]

Bucklucky I am not sure but I wanna say old alum tans do this.  I am not sure exactly.  I am probably wrong.

[bucklucky]

I think you are right , and I was going to say that but didnt want to misinform. And I am still haveing a major brain fart on the tannery! Come on Michelle! What tannery is it ? HELP, Im gona go NUTS if I cant figure it out. Its the one in california that everyone used to use. Its not Goldenstate, its.........................

[Michelle_Nelson]

Wildlife Fur Dressing?

Cambras Fur Tannery?

[bucklucky]

Nope!

[bucklucky]

I got it!! Its New Method out of San Francisco.

[Michelle_Nelson]

Thats the one I was thinking of just couldn't remember if it was in California or Texas.

[bucklucky]

Just thought I would let you know that I just rehydrated an elk and mule deer cape that was dry tanned from new method in 2000 and they both came out fine. I dont know what happened with that other cape, might have been older than the guy told me or from another tannery.

[little willys wonders]

Sythetic tans, like the ones that we use, have very long shelf lives up to indefinite. Not many people use them commercially because they are about 4 times the price. Some taxidermists use them however most use Aluminum Sulfate... this can be a problem depending on how it was used, finished and stored. If you have any more detailed information or questions feel free to give us a call (360)829-4190