Hunting Washington Forum

Community => Taxidermy & Scoring => Topic started by: Michelle_Nelson on March 18, 2008, 10:07:02 PM

Title: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on March 18, 2008, 10:07:02 PM: :IBCOOL: This is the guys FIRST bear. :( The bear also refused to die so more than one shot was needed. So I have a little bit of sewing and repair work to do. The finnal shot actually traveled through the bear and the copper jacket went through the roof of the mouth and lodged in the skull(I was able to recover it :tup:). The lead went through the left upper lip and tore it up pretty bad. I am supprised the bullet didn't do more damage to the sull.

This is the way the hide was brought to me from the hunter. This is a picture of the hide after I picked it up from the tannery!

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi126.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp115%2Fmichellestaxidermy%2F100_9999.jpg&hash=3f9ca54ec66b9642f2354e66273ce176b8892441)
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on March 18, 2008, 10:09:07 PM: Here is a picture of the hide after I made all the repairs.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi126.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp115%2Fmichellestaxidermy%2F100_0070.jpg&hash=b253df49439da66afbe72f60d9636b16c9af7861)
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: robodad on March 18, 2008, 10:09:48 PM: Did he use a Howitzer ??
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on March 18, 2008, 10:12:05 PM: Here are a couple pictures of the finnished product!

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi126.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp115%2Fmichellestaxidermy%2F100_0152.jpg&hash=3b9a0e1240db7b399c3296399a67c65f0c55749a)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi126.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp115%2Fmichellestaxidermy%2F100_0159.jpg&hash=594e77c9b7d7ba1d4ed2b3284711f29114e4a7bc)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi126.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp115%2Fmichellestaxidermy%2F100_0162.jpg&hash=1b2f1a1ab3d6350cedee15b432daa8aa4c04498e)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi126.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp115%2Fmichellestaxidermy%2F100_0126.jpg&hash=6a9797d4a6dbc717b7201570623cfdcf50fdb4db)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi126.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp115%2Fmichellestaxidermy%2F100_0125.jpg&hash=cd4fc50869432ca15207bbeace0e08b9d21487f8)
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on March 18, 2008, 10:14:44 PM: Couple pictures of the back side of the rug. The felt is machine sewed. The backing I sewed by hand.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi126.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp115%2Fmichellestaxidermy%2F100_0167.jpg&hash=a71953085a2cb64b70deb359751d9507814c4332)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi126.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp115%2Fmichellestaxidermy%2F100_0168.jpg&hash=c52c01cf5fc23ec5976f829e759b94b55e01a8e2)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi126.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp115%2Fmichellestaxidermy%2F100_0169.jpg&hash=1ff1946fb04dbdaaf6d0c907d1373f1196928035)
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Ray on March 18, 2008, 10:15:50 PM: Great work!!
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: robodad on March 18, 2008, 10:17:55 PM: You must be some sort of miracle worker. that thing looked like it ate a grenade before. Nice finished product !!
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Slider on March 18, 2008, 10:21:52 PM: Very Nice Job!!! :)
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: cohoho on March 18, 2008, 10:35:27 PM: Was it a product of a very bad skinning job also? Wow, you have some talent putting that thing back together, I don't think Ive seen a Bear more butchered than that one in the beginning.
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Head-shot on March 18, 2008, 10:52:02 PM: Quote from: robodad on March 18, 2008, 10:17:55 PM
You must be some sort of miracle worker. that thing looked like it ate a grenade before. Nice finished product !!
That's just what I was thinking when I saw it as well, great job Michelle
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Ghost Hunter on March 19, 2008, 05:24:55 AM: Very nice restoration, reconstruction, etc. Ever thought about being a plastic surgeon :)
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Skyvalhunter on March 19, 2008, 05:38:23 AM: Nice WOrk Michelle!!!!
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Red Dawg on March 19, 2008, 05:49:44 AM: i am impressed
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: boneaddict on March 19, 2008, 06:11:29 AM: I wouldn't have accepted it form him. That was some wack slice and dice job. I hope the guy appreciates what you have done for him. Thats ALOT of time and effort.
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: GoldTip on March 19, 2008, 08:44:06 AM: Wow, thats great work Michelle. I have to agree with Bone, I can't believe you accepted that from him, but I bow my head to you as that is some great work.

Not sure about the earlier ccomment about some guy hassling you because he thinks he was overcharged, but if it was on the bear, the guy really has some things to learn about animal care and taxidermy.
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Idabooner on March 19, 2008, 11:18:17 AM: Great job Michelle, it's already been said, but I will say it again. Must have taken for ever to patch that mess. The customer should appreciate that at any price.
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: saylean on March 19, 2008, 12:02:25 PM: Nice work......judging for the holes...a few shots in the arse, I wouldnt have died either... ;)
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Muleyslyr on March 19, 2008, 12:32:14 PM: Great job Michelle!! Really looks good.....not just the repair work but the nose and mouth etc.....did a really good job. Hopefully I can solicit your services come August. :)
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: boneaddict on March 19, 2008, 12:32:48 PM: Good point Saylean
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on March 19, 2008, 12:54:38 PM: I was told the Bear was shot 2X. Once in the shoulder and once in the arse. He shot it in the shoulder and it fell out of the tree running and then he shot it in the arse because that was the only shot he had. He was afraid it would get away. I think he had a touch of bear fever. Little excited.

The cuts in the arse I am pretty sure resulted from the skinning process. I think he mis-judged where the bullet hole was and hit it with the knife. Which can happen to anyone!
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: saylean on March 19, 2008, 01:07:38 PM: Wasnt judging...just making an observation....I have had a few shots (on one deer particularly) I wish I would have taken more time. ;)
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: huntingnut on March 19, 2008, 01:20:42 PM: Great job, that is some awesome repair work.
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Ridgerunner on March 19, 2008, 03:24:11 PM: Goood looking work there, perhaps this year I'll have a rug for you to do. :)
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: PacificNWhunter on March 19, 2008, 04:45:30 PM: Good looking rug. Nice job!
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Hunting Cowboy on March 19, 2008, 05:41:18 PM: I am in agreement with everyone's comments. Congratulations. I hope your customer appreciates just what kind of effort that took on your part! And that he is charged accordingly. Real nice work Michelle! :bow:
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: MountainWalk on March 19, 2008, 06:19:11 PM: i think she said it was his first bear.. besides, thats how money is made, fixin others cobbled up messes. ;)
thats a very fine job. cant help but thinking he looks an awfull lot like my hound.
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Red Dawg on March 19, 2008, 06:30:12 PM: great work on the details. I AM IMPRESSED
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on March 19, 2008, 09:02:37 PM: Thanks for all the compliments guys!
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Buckshot Bill on March 20, 2008, 10:38:22 AM: Great job Michelle!
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: big fatt on March 20, 2008, 04:05:54 PM: yes great job michelle I do apreciate the fine work you have done to my bear and yes it was my first bear and I have always been told that bear hides are so thick that a taxy could repair any hide and when you do get the shot dont stop till they stop moving and yes I probably did have a little bear fever yes just 2 shots where made and when you recieved the bear it was tubed out and you yourself told me at the time that I did a good job of skinning this animal I dont recall the bear looking like that when i dropped it off.But hey you did a fab. job on that bear and I love the pics and cant wait to pick it up.Next year the bear will be bigger and less holes.Thanks again for the great work.
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: billythekidrock on March 20, 2008, 04:24:24 PM: Quote
Next year the bear will be bigger and less holes.

Next year? How about this year! :chuckle:
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: saylean on March 20, 2008, 05:08:12 PM: At least you hit your bear the other times...my first bear I shot...dropped...thing started thrashing around and I busted out two more shots with my A bolt...only I busted up the dirt just in front of her with the shots....needless to say...she only needed the 1 shot. ;)
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on March 20, 2008, 05:12:28 PM: Quote from: big fatt on March 20, 2008, 04:05:54 PM
I have always been told that bear hides are so thick that a taxy could repair any hide

Just because a hide is thick doesn't mean the taxi can repair it. Missing skin is missing skin reguardless.

Quote from: big fatt on March 20, 2008, 04:05:54 PM
and when you do get the shot dont stop till they stop moving and yes I probably did have a little bear fever yes just 2 shots where made.

Your not the only one that still gets the fever on a hunt. Stuff happens. The Bear may have moved when you took the shot who knows.

Quote from: big fatt on March 20, 2008, 04:05:54 PM
and when you recieved the bear it was tubed out and you yourself told me at the time that I did a good job of skinning this animal I dont recall the bear looking like that when i dropped it off.

:) Yes, you are right the bear was tubed out when I received it. Cut from one back foot to the other and up the belly just above the genitals. I cut it from that point up to the chin. Than from the pad of one front leg across the chest (through 2 additional holes that were on the chest made from the first shot that grazed the chest) to the other pad on the oposite foot. I did tell you, you did a good job skinning it because you tubed it. Leaving it up to me to make the additional incisions. Allowing me to compensate for the two holes in the chest.

I told you when you brought me the bear it was in rough shape. That I would do my best to make the repairs.
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: bucklucky on March 20, 2008, 06:19:41 PM: Nice job Michelle. What a nightmare bear. Looks like abot 500 dollars in repairs to me!! ;) ;)
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: big fatt on March 20, 2008, 08:52:11 PM: Well the first shot went through both sholders and yes it did tear the heck out of that bear no he didnt move on the first shot pour thing was in a tree at about 20 yards.7 mag really did its job and yes you are the s!@# for repairing it there are no arguments here I new that little toilet seat cover was tore up and you told me you werent garanteing me anything and i said that was fine i was just excided that i finnally got one of those little buggers.thank you again for the great work and i cant wait to put the little feller on my toilet.you really maid it look like it was a average size bear by the photos and come on dont lie it was tiny,and tes this not next yaer i stand corrected.and THANK YOU AGAIN, caps just incase you didnt hear me..
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on March 20, 2008, 09:11:34 PM: Actually the bear measures 4 foot, nose to base of tail. :P Way to big for a toilet seat cover.

Like I said, the bear refused to die on the first shot and the only one you had was the rear. I'd rather put another pullet in it than let it get away and die slower.
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: big fatt on March 20, 2008, 09:18:15 PM: Yes I have herd to many stories from guys who shoot those tough kritters and never see them again and I mean to tell you that was not going to be me,the first time I get to shoot at a bear I by god am gettin my yogi 20 yards 7 mag you could drive a truck through the holes and again you did an outstanding job and i cant thank you enough except send every one i know to you so that my friend is what I intend on doing thank you again :IBCOOL:
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on March 20, 2008, 09:22:43 PM: You are more than Welcome. I am glad you like it. As soon as I get the skull sealed I will give you a call and you can come get both of them. Just so you know. I did not charge you for the repairs on this bear and I helped you out in some other areas.
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: big fatt on March 20, 2008, 09:25:40 PM: thats right ladies and gentlemen she is my taxi lady and yes i want all of you to know because i already new SHE ROCKS so there.
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: big fatt on March 20, 2008, 09:28:10 PM: Michelle I want every one to know that I thank you very much for the amazing work you have done.cant wait to here from you. :rolleyes:
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on March 20, 2008, 09:31:08 PM: Hey did you ever send that picture to the Purgatory boys?
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: big fatt on March 20, 2008, 09:34:59 PM: yes i did and they sent me a pic that was signed by jay and joe and they even called on my birthday to wish me a good day we talked on the phone for about an hour about there year and mine very good day :IBCOOL:
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on March 20, 2008, 09:50:17 PM: Sweet deal!
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: LongTatLaw on March 20, 2008, 10:03:57 PM: Mich...Im very impressed with that sew job! I saw that hide in person before the fixes and man its come along way! But not amount of sewing in the world could make my little retard look right. :chuckle:

hey bigfat, you called it a toilet seat...lol NICE! when ya pick up yours tell her ya wanna see the lil retard bear...she will know exactly what ya mean!

also, as far as ur toilet seat bear... I would have shot his much smaller brother if he wondered near me! ASK ANYONE that knows me :chuckle:

cant wait to see mine on the stretcher!
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: billythekidrock on March 21, 2008, 05:32:31 AM: Quote
I new that little toilet seat cover was tore up

:chuckle:
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: ICEMAN on March 21, 2008, 05:51:01 AM: Four foot bear? Thank god someone else shot a four foot bear too! No shame here. Good job, and hopefully I too can get a larger bear. :hello:
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: billythekidrock on March 21, 2008, 06:04:45 AM: That was four foot stretched. They are the best eaten ones!
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: big fatt on March 21, 2008, 08:45:37 AM: 4 ft I didnt relize how big he was I mean I onlyhad it for a day before I dropped it off to michelle.But when I shared the pics of the day with my buddies they where giving me crap about how small it was so it recieved the name of being a toilet seat cover.thanks guys yes it was my first and yes it was tore up and again she did a fab. job.
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: MountainWalk on March 21, 2008, 08:51:50 AM: big fatt... way to go on your first bear!! right on...my first bear was a freakin horrorshow , to tell the truth. you are on your way man. keep er up
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: big fatt on March 21, 2008, 09:16:57 AM: thanks man I owe it to billy rock for taking the time with me that day and telling me what to look for while hunting bear.Years in the past I just bought the tag and if I stumbled across a bear then I could shoot him,but to be honest with you I am an archery hunter and every time I saw one it was hauling the mail and gettin the heck out of dodge.But last year I decided to take the time when scouting Elk and take my rifle and well thats when I was driving down the road and there he was in a tree 20 yards off the road and the rest is history :P
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: MountainWalk on March 21, 2008, 09:24:20 AM: haulin the mail.. thats a good one! never heard that one before. :)
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: MikeWalking on March 21, 2008, 02:47:51 PM: Gee I thought it was illegal to hunt with automatic weapons?

Or did he skin it out with a plastic knife?

Great work.
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: high country on March 21, 2008, 03:26:01 PM: Quote from: MikeWalking on March 21, 2008, 02:47:51 PM
Gee I thought it was illegal to hunt with automatic weapons?

Or did he skin it out with a rototiller?

Great work.

fixed it for ya ;)

just playin' big feller. michalle nice work.......are ya busy?
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on March 21, 2008, 04:03:42 PM: Quote from: high country on March 21, 2008, 03:26:01 PM

fixed it for ya ;)

just playin' big feller. michalle nice work.......are ya busy?

No, not to busy. :chuckle: I hope to be come the Spring Bear Season. Fleshing, skinning, and salting Bear Hides.
Title: RE: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: billythekidrock on March 21, 2008, 04:11:30 PM: Quote
thanks man I owe it to billy rock for taking the time with me that day and telling me what to look for while hunting bear.

It was great talking with someone who would listen..lol
You were very interested and I knew it wouldn't be long before you met up with one.
Again, congrats.
Title: Re: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on March 22, 2008, 11:34:18 AM: Billy did those pic's you took come out any better?
Title: Re: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: billythekidrock on March 22, 2008, 11:45:07 AM: I haven't looked yet. Maybe tonight. Getting ready to head out.
Title: Re: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on April 10, 2008, 07:45:12 PM: :dunno: Didn't realize I posted this in the general forum. If one of the mods want they can move it to the Taxidermy Forum.
Title: Re: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: LongTatLaw on April 10, 2008, 08:42:12 PM: Michelle,

when ya gonna do ur thing on my bear?

when ya do, maybe ya could post progress pics of mine on here or on the thread about the skull?
Title: Re: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on April 13, 2008, 11:09:43 AM: I put the parts together last night. Got them painted. Will probably put the shell in it This week. Depending on how lazy I am feeling. ;)
Title: Re: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: billythekidrock on April 13, 2008, 06:49:16 PM: Quote from: LongTatLaw on April 10, 2008, 08:42:12 PM
Michelle,

when ya gonna do ur thing on my bear?

when ya do, maybe ya could post progress pics of mine on here or on the thread about the skull?

Quote from: Michelle_Nelson on April 13, 2008, 11:09:43 AM
I put the parts together last night. Got them painted. Will probably put the shell in it This week. Depending on how lazy I am feeling. ;)

Man...he just killed it a few months ago. Make him wait..lol

My brothers bear has been at the taxi for over 18 months. Took over 12 months to have one tanned.
Title: Re: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: bucklucky on April 13, 2008, 07:08:37 PM: Man Michelle, I got all my 20 bears done for this year! Whats taking so long ;) ;)
Sorry just kiddin!
I got 7 done for the year.
Title: Re: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on April 13, 2008, 07:10:33 PM: I don't know of any tannery that takes 12 months to tan something. I had his back in 6 weeks. Which is pretty quick. The taxi probably had it in the freezer 9 months befor salting it and sending it to the tannery.
Title: Re: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on April 13, 2008, 07:13:39 PM: Quote from: bucklucky on April 13, 2008, 07:08:37 PM
Man Michelle, I got all my 20 bears done for this year! Whats taking so long ;) ;)
Sorry just kiddin!
I got 7 done for the year.

Well you don't work a full time job on the side! :P Trust me as soon as i can go full time I will be, lol.

I am enjoying making longtat squirm in anticipation of getting his little retard "as he calls it" back. I'm just plain mean! I am going to give it back to him the day befor he leaves so he can atleast see it. :P
Title: Re: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: boneaddict on April 13, 2008, 07:14:37 PM: Maybe if you take longer and stretch it some more you can make it bigger.......OR.....get some other matching bear parts and add them in. :)

(I better quit harrassing him, he is going to think I hate him....I know he can take it as he dishes it out.)
Title: Re: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: billythekidrock on April 13, 2008, 07:21:49 PM: Quote
I don't know of any tannery that takes 12 months to tan something. I had his back in 6 weeks. Which is pretty quick. The taxi probably had it in the freezer 9 months befor salting it and sending it to the tannery.

I don't know what he did but the last time we waited 18 months for mounts we got hosed. They weren't even our bears.
Title: Re: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: bucklucky on April 13, 2008, 07:27:05 PM: That sucks! >:(
Title: Re: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on April 13, 2008, 07:42:40 PM: Longtat has a pretty good sense of humor. Otherwise I wouldn't pick on him like I do.
Title: Re: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on April 13, 2008, 07:43:43 PM: BTKR. . . Is that the taxi i think it is. A
Title: Re: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: bucklucky on April 13, 2008, 07:45:35 PM: Aldens?
Title: Re: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: billythekidrock on April 13, 2008, 08:12:00 PM: Aldens is the taxi that is took over 12 months to return a tanned bear hide and is the one taking over 18 months for a bear rug.

The taxi that took over 18 months and they weren't our bears is now out of business. :yike:
Title: Re: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on April 13, 2008, 08:21:10 PM: I don't know why people take in so much work that they are 2 and 3 years behind. Doesn't make sense to me.
Title: Re: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: bucklucky on April 13, 2008, 08:24:38 PM: Sure it does , its called GREED! :chuckle:
When I start getting enough work where I know I will be over a year I will be looking to hire help to take care of the nasty stuff. I plan on growing so big that I will own McKenzies :lol4:
Title: Re: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: billythekidrock on April 13, 2008, 08:26:32 PM: Quote
Insert Quote
I don't know why people take in so much work that they are 2 and 3 years behind. Doesn't make sense to me.

Yea, but when you say a rug will be done in 12 months it should be done. If he had told us 18+ months it would be different.
Title: Re: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: bucklucky on April 13, 2008, 08:29:21 PM: I agree Billy, tha is bad buisness. He should at least call and let you know if it is going to take longer.
Title: Re: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on April 13, 2008, 08:36:40 PM: Quote from: bucklucky on April 13, 2008, 08:24:38 PM
I plan on growing so big that I will own McKenzies :lol4:

Yeah, right! :yeah:
Title: Re: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: bucklucky on April 13, 2008, 08:37:46 PM: A guys gota dream dont he! :chuckle:
Title: Re: Bear Rug (before & after)
Post by: cascademountainhunter on May 22, 2008, 08:05:11 PM: wow. im glad you were able to get it fixed.