Prepping Skins

[matts2]

A buddy of mine from another state sent me a pic of a big snake that he found on the side of the road by his house.  He remembered us talking once about snake skins on bows and he asked if I wanted it.  So I obviously said yes and we need to know the best way to prep a fresh skin and then get it ready for a bow.

I know I have seen instructions here somewhere, but can't find them now.

Thanks

[broketooth]

use a utility knife with a roofers hook blade to cut through the belly scales from neck to tail. cut around the neck through the skin to get started . hold the head in one hand, and the skin in the other and pull the skin from the body. once you have done this, stretch the skin on a board, flesh side up. use push pins to hold the skin down to the board. make it as straight as possible and make sure it is stretched tight. now it is time to flesh the hide out. you can use a spoon or a dull knife. just be careful not to cut through the hide. depending on the weather in your area it could take several hours to a few days for the hide to dry. then cut the belly scales off , roll up and store in a ziplock bag for future use.

[Osagetree]

Once dried as Ruddy describes, wash in warm water & dawn dish liquid to remove oils. Pat dry & apply glue to limb and then apply damp skin. As the glue sets work out air bubbles & lightly stretch the skins for a good fit. Let dry for a couple days, trim edges and coat with tru oil.
I quit wrapping the skins & limbs while drying to avoid the unseen!

[PEARL DRUMS]

The famous "unseen"! Thats not a pleasant suprise. Its like unwrapping after plastic surgery only to find its worse than when you started.

[matts2]

I read somewhere about removing all the scales, is that right?

[PEARL DRUMS]

Duct tap, electrical tape or even painters tape work good for that Matt. Just be sure the glue is dry before you do it. Pull the tape off in the same diorection the scales run, if you go the wrong way it will pull "burrs" up......dont ask how I know that.