is the Extension Wildlife Specialist at New Mexico State University. Pour the washing soda and salt mixture into the trash can with the aluminum sulfate. When skinning the legs, simply work the pelt over the stump of each leg without cutting through the hide. The cover the flesh side with a generous amout of either non iodized salt or borax. Plague, tularemia, and leptospirosis have been acquired in the handling and skinning of furbearing animals. To skin a coyote, fox, or bobcat for commercial sale, cut the skin from the rear pad of one hind foot up the back of the leg to the base of the tail, and continue down the other leg to the rear pad of the other hind foot. I also have a couple of shot up coyote hides that I could tan the tail on & send to you. Its likely that the tail was starting to slip. Many pelts are sold locally, but it may be necessary or desirable to ship them to buyers, auctions, or tanneries in other locations. For permission to use publications for other purposes, contact pubs@nmsu.edu or the authors listed on the publication. Stretch one side of the pelt out horizontally and tack it down, then stretch the other side tight and tack it down.

Best storage is in a freezer. The word "bath" here just means "immersion," nothing to do with water. This is a much greater problem if the stretcher is made from a single solid board, which is not adjustable. If I found a crow with legs that are already dried, can I soak it in water to clean it? Discussion in 'Taxidermy' started by Sea-Mac, Oct 3, 2012. Fill a plastic trash can with 1 gal. Many hunters choose to tan a catch as a way of making resourceful use of the animal, while others enjoy displaying the animal to boast of their kill.

Although a simple knife may work for some fleshing jobs, it may be much easier to use a knife or tool specifically designed for fleshing.

The pelt is now ready for partial drying. Remove and rinse clean using a gallon of water mixed with an ounce of borax. (Print Friendly PDF). © 2017 New Mexico State University - Board of Regents. N. Gray, L. Hassler, K. Willis, and D. Hoyt (editors). Take extreme care when skinning around an area where a bullet or shot entered or left the body. Prop the hide at an angle and allow it to dry overnight. Most furbearing animals alternate between winter and summer coats. Shipping permits are not required in New Mexico, but remember to have bobcat pelts properly tagged (as required by NMDGF) before shipping. You will have to tan it if you want that. Beginners will likely make mistakes, but with experience, it will become easier to produce pelts capable of securing top market prices. Remove excess tissue and fat by cutting, scraping, or pulling it away, being careful to avoid damage to the skin. Once the skin is almost completely dry, remove it from the plywood and stretch it out thoroughly.