Need Snake skins and encouragement for first timer

[Tajue17]

I have an older 64" Northern mist Baraga that I really want to put snake skins on,, I never done it!

can anyone here recommend me a good source for copperheads but honestly where I'm doing this 1st to learn how (for future selfbow applications)  I don't care what skins I get as long as they are the best for a newb..   if you have any helpful advice for someone trying this for the first time thank you for anything.

[Brock]

I did my first snake skin cover back in early 90s...using instructions from Paul Brunner.  Not hard at all...just take your time and dont rush it.

Shoot me a PM and will send you the instructions I have used and shared many times...  if you do a search you may find it here from previous response I made to someone as well.

dried skins from someone are best...not the tanned skins you typically find online.  A couple bowyers and traditional supply shops have them...or let your friends know what you want.  Here are some prairie rattlers.

 http://pinehollowlongbows.com/products/prairie-rattlesnake-skins

[Brock]

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=010099#000004

Here is one of mine I did 20+ years ago using Elmers Carpenter glue...bow has hunted in the humid southeast during tropical storms. hahaha  It is second set of skins on this bow...first was compromised from DEET on my face eating sealant and skins got wet underneath before I realized.  I dont rest my face against limbs anymore in early season...now that I have thermacell.  

Used Prairie Rattler skins...

   

[Mad Max]

Hard to find copper heads and cost alot.
Western Diamondbacks and Prairie from Pinehollow are your bets bet.
he will match them for the width and length.
I use Tight bond 3

Copper head on Black glass NOT GOOD.
they need to be on osage color or off white, Light/light grey.
Good luck
post some pictures when all is done.

[Mad Max]

cool

[Carson81]

Yeah, Copperheads are not easy to come by. Might want to try something more economical for your first try. I would also suggest cleaning and prepping the surface of the bow limb with steel wool and wipe down with alcohol or acetone, being careful not to let the solvent get on any part of the bow but the back of your limb. If you first wet the skins and do a wet fit without glue (prior to prepping the back of the bow), then you can trim them to fit, which makes clean up, after you do glue, much easier. Good luck!

[Tajue17]

thanks for the posts everyone I've just got back from a trip, I'm going to check those links later from work and yeah might have to diamondbacks for now which isn't a prob.

[Tajue17]

My skins are on the way and I might just try to apply them to a selfbow first not sure I have a decision to make.