drying snake skins

[Beanbag]

How's it done?? My son just thawed out a Parrie rattler he shot last year. Told him to pin the skin out flat on a plank. Not sure if thats the ways it should be done though. I got in a couple of skins from Mike Yancy and they are rolled up. Do they wrap the skins around a mandrel or some kind of mess to let them dry and pull out the mesh after everything is dry??. Want to use this skin for something special, almost got him when he was stalking a antelope. Jim G

[ranger 3]

Just stretch them to a board flush side up with tacks and let dry.

[Jack Guard]

Skin the snake by cutting the head off and peeling the skin down the snake like you are rolling off a tall sock.  Once the skin is off, cut it down the belly with a sharp pair of scissors.  Then tack down the skin to a relatively stiff board.  While its on the board ensure you have taken all the flesh off of the skin.  Now store it in a place with good circulation.   I like to even put salt on the skin to draw the moisture out and keep little critters off.  When its good and dry, brush off the salt and roll it up.  

Post a pic of the process if you get a chance.  Would love to see it.

[Lost Arra]

same as Jack but no salt and I use a staple gun. I spray with Windex. No bugs.

This isn't a great example since I shot a hole in this copperhead.

 

 

 

[Beanbag]

Thanks Guys, looks like my son's are doing it right. Didn't know if salt or borax was needed or just drying. This one has a hole throgh it also, so don't know if it will get on a bow or not.My son measured it without the head at 44"s scared the heck out of him. Might put it on some quivers.Thanks jim g

[JimB]

Air drying is good for skinning a bow.I know it is probably too late but for leather work,I would use a true tan,like Rittels.

[chanumpa]

I do the same as these guys,and I do salt the skin while drying.Then if I want to tan the skin I roll the dry skin up and put in a dilluted solution of alum(from drug store,cheap,like2table spoons in a pint jar of water).let it set in the alum for2 days ,retack out and dry.then I use glycerin to soften them.for say making a hat band.The tanning isnt necesaryfor bows though as you probably know.Good luck