snake skins

[MTArrowLauncher]

I caught a few W. Rattlers this week to put on my bow and the new bow i am going to order, so i have two questions.

How do i prepare the snake skins to put the on the bow? What do i need to do after i skin them and do they need to be preserved etc? i am clueless here so i would love some feedback from the guys here who handle snakeskins.

Also, what is the process for applying the skins to the bow?

thanks a ton

Fin

[Lone Ranger]

I believe the skins are just salted and dried, not tanned. you can do a search for applications here on tradgang. when your ready the skins are re-hydrated by soaking in warm water and applied then.

L.R.

[LimBender]

There are some how to threads on here.  I believe most were just skinned out real well and air dried, but no tanning.

[Jim Wright]

Cody, make your cut in the center of the belly, skin them slowly and carefully. Place the skin on a flat wood surface(2x6 works)flesh side up and staple down at the very outside edges. Remove the thin, clear layer of connecting flesh by gently scraping with a plastic putty knife. (1.5" width is good). Check the edge of the putty knife to make sure it does not have a sharp burr from forming, remove with a fine tooth file if it has one. Let the skin dry for a day or two, does not hurt to have a fan blowing on it to dry quickly. Finally, take a small, SHARP knife or a replacement blade for a razor knife and carefully cut full length right next to the staples. You are finished, you do not need salt, the skins are ready to install.

[JimB]

I would add it's probably not a good idea to salt,just air dry.Don't dry in the sun either.You can also flesh with a tablespoon.When fleshing,scrape from side to side or tail to head.It roughs up the scales less that way.

[MTArrowLauncher]

thanks guys