Hunting Washington Forum

Community => Taxidermy & Scoring => Topic started by: 7mmfan on October 04, 2017, 11:15:51 AM

Title: Tanning an elk hide
Post by: 7mmfan on October 04, 2017, 11:15:51 AM: I saved the hide from the bull I killed recently, to have tanned. It's something I've always wanted. I just talked with a taxidermist close to home and he basically told me that if I brought it to him, he would salt it, box it, and send it to a tannery, either here in WA (Centralia Hide and Fur), or out of state somewhere. That I would be better off just getting it to them myself.

I looked up Centralia Hide and fur and I'm guestimating that I'm looking at $650-700 to have it tanned at $17 a sq. ft. :yike: I knew it would be pricey, but I didn't think it would be that pricey.

I've seen self tanning kits like Quliceda Tanning has on their website, but I have no idea how to start or how easy they are to work with.

Is there any guidance out from anyone who has done this before, or knows a taxidermist who does their own tanning? I really want this done, but I don't know that I can afford that at this time, and my freezer space is dwindling fast.
Title: Re: Tanning an elk hide
Post by: CP on October 04, 2017, 11:23:57 AM: These guys did a bear for me. Reasonably priced and the work seems fine. Came back kind of shrunk up and wrinkled though. I need to figure out how to stretch and soften it up.

http://www.promiselandranch.net/
Title: Re: Tanning an elk hide
Post by: 7mmfan on October 04, 2017, 11:34:06 AM: Their prices are more on par with what I was envisioning. Thank you for the link.
Title: Re: Tanning an elk hide
Post by: 7mmfan on October 04, 2017, 11:37:23 AM: Quote from: CP on October 04, 2017, 11:23:57 AM
These guys did a bear for me. Reasonably priced and the work seems fine. Came back kind of shrunk up and wrinkled though. I need to figure out how to stretch and soften it up.

http://www.promiselandranch.net/

@CP
Did you ship the hide to them, or deliver it?
Title: Re: Tanning an elk hide
Post by: CP on October 04, 2017, 11:38:32 AM: I shipped it UPS.
Title: Re: Tanning an elk hide
Post by: 7mmfan on October 04, 2017, 11:46:37 AM: How much did that cost?
Title: Re: Tanning an elk hide
Post by: CP on October 04, 2017, 11:56:14 AM: I think it was $400ish - it is a small bear & they charge by the foot.
Title: Re: Tanning an elk hide
Post by: 7mmfan on October 04, 2017, 12:02:05 PM: The shipping itself, do you remember what that cost?
Title: Re: Tanning an elk hide
Post by: CP on October 04, 2017, 12:04:49 PM: $30 or so
Title: Re: Tanning an elk hide
Post by: 7mmfan on October 04, 2017, 12:11:15 PM: That's not nearly as bad as I imagined. Ok thank you for the information, that is very helpful.
Title: Re: Tanning an elk hide
Post by: pianoman9701 on October 04, 2017, 12:14:40 PM: You might PM elkboy. He has more tanned hides than I've ever seen in one house. :dunno:
Title: Re: Tanning an elk hide
Post by: 7mmfan on October 04, 2017, 12:45:46 PM: on it
Title: Re: Tanning an elk hide
Post by: Encore 280 on October 04, 2017, 01:55:55 PM: Maybe check out Moyle Mink & Tannery in Idaho
Title: Re: Tanning an elk hide
Post by: 7mmfan on October 04, 2017, 02:28:10 PM: I just spoke with Rick at Cedar River taxidermy and he was very helpful. I think I'm going to be dropping the hide by his place this weekend unless I come across something substantially better closer to home. Thanks for all the input guys.
Title: Re: Tanning an elk hide
Post by: jagermiester on October 05, 2017, 10:52:02 AM: When I was living in Montana. (18 years ago mind you )
We took a deer hide in to turn into a rug, to hang over the back of the couch turned out great. $30
I miss those day's :o
Title: Re: Tanning an elk hide
Post by: JKEEN33 on October 05, 2017, 11:21:47 AM: Quote from: 7mmfan on October 04, 2017, 02:28:10 PM
I just spoke with Rick at Cedar River taxidermy and he was very helpful. I think I'm going to be dropping the hide by his place this weekend unless I come across something substantially better closer to home. Thanks for all the input guys.

:tup:

Worth the drive. Great guy to work with.
Title: Re: Tanning an elk hide
Post by: 7mmfan on October 05, 2017, 11:45:56 AM: Quote from: jagermiester on October 05, 2017, 10:52:02 AM
When I was living in Montana. (18 years ago mind you )
We took a deer hide in to turn into a rug, to hang over the back of the couch turned out great. $30
I miss those day's :o

I was hoping for something close to that, but those days are LONG GONE!
Title: Re: Tanning an elk hide
Post by: JakeLand on October 06, 2017, 05:56:29 AM: How much is he changing? I wanna do a blacktail hide
Title: Re: Tanning an elk hide
Post by: 7mmfan on October 06, 2017, 08:47:19 AM: Quote from: JakeLand on October 06, 2017, 05:56:29 AM
How much is he changing? I wanna do a blacktail hide

I'm pretty sure he said for elk it was a flat fee of $450 + tax. Not sure on deer hides.

I also want to do a blacktail hide. It's killed me tossing the last couple because they're such beautiful hides. Definitely the best looking deer in my opinion.
Title: Re: Tanning an elk hide
Post by: pianoman9701 on October 06, 2017, 08:55:19 AM: :yeah: Love that reddish tinge, even in later season.
Title: Re: Tanning an elk hide
Post by: 7mmfan on October 06, 2017, 07:13:53 PM: The last couple have had lots of cinnamon and orangish red mixed into the tan and brown. Beautiful animals.