Is there a taxidermist market for cougar hides?

[DoubleJ]

In the chance I get one this year, I have no funds to mount it.  Is there shop trade in value like deer and elk capes?

[Humptulips]

I'm sure you could sell it on http://www.taxidermy.net/forum/index.php

[MtnMuley]

Maybe I'm wrong, but isn't selling a cougar you just harvested in WA illegal? I'm sure it is, but if humptulips didn't mention it, maybe not.

[Ridgeratt]

Even if you can't afford to have it mounted think about getting it tanned then you can have if mounted at a later date!

[Lawman]

Man you better watch how you talk on here...get it tanned and keep it !

[Gringo31]

I've thought the very same thing.  I have 2 rugs still in process right now and don't know if I'd want a 3rd.  I'd want some meat and the skull, what options does a guy have?

[Lawman]

I have one that I have not mounted yet too! lots of money I do not have right now !

[Humptulips]

Maybe I'm wrong, but isn't selling a cougar you just harvested in WA illegal? I'm sure it is, but if humptulips didn't mention it, maybe not.

They changed the law two years ago. You can now sell or barter legally caught cougar and bear hides in WA. You cannot however sell claws unless they remain attached to the hide.

Not sure about it but it would seem like the sale or bartering of a cape from a deer or elk wouldn't be legal. I know it is done. I'll have to look into it.

[Michelle_Nelson]

Maybe I'm wrong, but isn't selling a cougar you just harvested in WA illegal? I'm sure it is, but if humptulips didn't mention it, maybe not.

They changed the law two years ago. You can now sell or barter legally caught cougar and bear hides in WA. You cannot however sell claws unless they remain attached to the hide.

Correct.  Except I think they changed it a little bit longer ago.  When I moved here in 07' I went to Oly F&G Office and one of the gamies was going over the Rules and Regs with me and marked on my paper work that the lasw had changed.

[Michelle_Nelson]

I've thought the very same thing.  I have 2 rugs still in process right now and don't know if I'd want a 3rd.  I'd want some meat and the skull, what options does a guy have?

  A Life Size on the Grizzly!  Makes more room on the wall for a rug!

[DoubleJ]

If selling is not legal maybe work out a trade with a taxi. Give him the cat and maybe he will mount one for you next time. 

That's what I was asking about.  Nobody said anything about selling it.

[DoubleJ]

So, all you taxidermists out there, is there trade in value or should I just freeze it until I can afford a mount?

[MtnMuley]

Maybe I'm wrong, but isn't selling a cougar you just harvested in WA illegal? I'm sure it is, but if humptulips didn't mention it, maybe not.

They changed the law two years ago. You can now sell or barter legally caught cougar and bear hides in WA. You cannot however sell claws unless they remain attached to the hide.

Not sure about it but it would seem like the sale or bartering of a cape from a deer or elk wouldn't be legal. I know it is done. I'll have to look into it.

Thanks Humptulip.  Deer and elk are perfectly legal.  Good to know about the cats.

[Humptulips]

If selling is not legal maybe work out a trade with a taxi. Give him the cat and maybe he will mount one for you next time. 

That's what I was asking about.  Nobody said anything about selling it.

I believe in the Depatments eyes that would be barter and that is viewed the same as selling. Either way you would be OK.

I would like to say something about freezing though. Especially if you don't flesh a cat beforehand if you leave it in the freezer too long it can freezer burn and wreck it.
If I were to freeze it for long term I would roll it up fur out, freeze, dip in water freeze, repeat and put in a sealed pastic bag. That would seal it against freezer burn. Smaller furs you can do in the sealer bags but a cougar hide is pretty big for that.

[Gringo31]

 

A Life Size on the Grizzly!  Makes more room on the wall for a rug!

Christmas special???

[BLKBEARKLR]

If you get one let me know, I am doing up a lifesize with the one I got last year and was going to put a bear in the scene but another cougar may be nice.

Joe

[DoubleJ]

If you get one let me know, I am doing up a lifesize with the one I got last year and was going to put a bear in the scene but another cougar may be nice.

Joe

Cant get out for a few weeks but, I sure will

[Humptulips]

I thought I would add a little something to this thread that is somewhat off the topic but it might be a thought for you if you don't have the money for a mount or a rug.
I sent my cougar hide off to Moyle Mink to have it dressed the other day. Called them before and it costs $135 plus postage. Postage was about $10.
Must be fully fleshed though.

[Archeryoutfitters]

I have a big chocolate bear killed last years, had it tanned for a rug because of the size couldn't see not doing some thing with him, i know they don't keep for ever.

I already have 3 rugs and 2.... 1/2 mounts on the wall, is there any one out there that would be interested in the hide, it was a bow kill, head was 19-15/16. bear weighted 385,  good hide i just hate to see it go to waist, skinning,fleshing, salting, and tanning. cost me 400. would be willing to get rid of him for what i have into him,  if he can be put to good use.

Only will sell if (it legal ) &  i'm not over stepping any or boundaries on here, not looking to make any $ just want to see some good come of the skin. thanks Brian

[bugs n bones]

Get it tanned by a good tannery then soak it up  sweat it over night in a bag,, take measurements the next day then double bag it and freeze it..It will last a very long time, This will give you time to decide if you want to mount it or sell it

[Archeryoutfitters]

Get it tanned by a good tannery then soak it up  sweat it over night in a bag,, take measurements the next day then double bag it and freeze it..It will last a very long time, This will give you time to decide if you want to mount it or sell it

he has already been tanned at a good tannery just got him hanging on the wall i just don't see my self doing any thing with him would like to see something good come from him   

[Skyvalhunter]

wonder if it actually is legal to sell it.

[Archeryoutfitters]

I'm think if it is all in one piece that it is OK to sell them now as far as i Know??

[Humptulips]

wonder if it actually is legal to sell it.

Yes, it is legal now to sell bear and cougar hides. Didn't used to be but the law was changed a few years back. Still illegal to sell claws removed from the hide.