Post by: Blacktail Sniper on October 14, 2010, 07:09:51 PM
I have a coyote that I trapped several years ago (probably 1998/99 season if memory serves me). My original intent was a life size, closed-mouth mount. During that time I also had 2 bobcat mounts being done (rug and full-body). So, to help keep the bill down close to my yearly income, I just had the coyote tanned. My taxidermist skinned the head and paws for the mount, but by the time I had everything paid-up and ready to go, he retired.
Kinda tired of looking at the pelt just hanging around and was wondering what I might be looking at as far as cost goes for the mounting since the prep work & tanning is already done. It was a decent sized, adult male, and am still leaning towards a full mount, but would like to get a general idea on the costs of a rug (open mouth) vs the full mount w/closed mouth.
Thanks for any assistance.
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on October 14, 2010, 07:28:42 PM
I want you to keep in mind a taxidermist can not guarantee the condition of the hide once it is rehydrated. Unless you know who it was tanned by or with what we will not be able to tell. Sometimes (rare occations) depending on the tan and how old it is it could possibly come apart during rehydration. We won't know unless we rehydrate it. I am not saying you hide will but I don't want you to be left wondering if this were to happen. :)
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on October 15, 2010, 06:16:54 AM
Based on the age of the pelt, would say it is maybe a better idea to just keep it as is? I would hate to end up losing the pelt all together, since it was one of the last (and nicest looking) ones I got before trapping was outlawed.
Also, would the rehydration be required (outside of the head area) of the entire pelt for a rug? Just thinking of a way to possibly minimize the risk, with the worse case being just removong the head area and not risking the entire pelt if it goes bad? Would end up with basically what I have now just without the head.
Thanks for your help and information.
Post by: BLKBEARKLR on October 15, 2010, 07:14:04 AM
Yes you would have to rehydrate the entire pelt if doing a life size or a rug.
Joe
Post by: bucklucky on October 15, 2010, 07:54:12 AM
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on October 15, 2010, 10:04:22 AM
If it were me I would keep that pelt just the way it is.
On a rug if you want it stretched, yes, you have to rehydrate the whole skin. The rug looks so much better if it is stretched and lays flat.
I would deffinatly try harvesting another coyote to do a Life Size on. That way you do not risk the hide coming apart during the rehydration process. :)
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on October 15, 2010, 05:43:29 PM
Now I guess I am just going to have to take the time and effort to shoot one so I can get a fresh pelt to work with...oh jeezz, that means I have more hunting to do...DARN!
Thanks again everyone.
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on October 15, 2010, 08:39:36 PM
Now I guess I am just going to have to take the time and effort to shoot one so I can get a fresh pelt to work with...oh jeezz, that means I have more hunting to do...DARN!
Damn I hate to hear that. PM me your address and I will send you a Sympathy Card! :chuckle:
Post by: 400out on October 15, 2010, 08:42:10 PM
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on October 16, 2010, 05:19:07 PM