How to dry a snake skin?

[LURP DOG]

I have a ton of snakes at my house (the wife calls the backyard/woods, snakey looking) and I kill a few that get close to the house. Most are black snakes but every now and then I run into a Copperhead or Rattler.

My question is how do I dry out the skins to use on maybe a quiver or something else?

THANX
DAVID

[Stripstrike1]

On all your snakes use a scissor to cut along the belly (start at the head) and gently work the skin off of the snake and be very careful at the vent because it will tear there.  

Wash well with a very mild detergent (I do this on some snakes that have that funky musty odor)

I tack and stretch the skins down on a flat cardboard box using basic thumb tacks.  The colored tall ones work the best because they are easier to remove when done.  To really get the skin straight tack about every 1/2 inch on either side of the snake. Also make sure to stretch the skin while you are tacking it down.  

You don't need to flesh the smaller snakes because most of the fat is on the belly scales and you are going to cut those off when the drying process is complete. I usually flesh the larger rattlers here in Texas and only the ones over 3 feet.  Copperheads just don't need it and you risk tearing the skin anyway.  When I do flesh I use a dull butter knife which seems to work for me.  

I then put the tacked skin in a cool area under a fan and it will dry over night.  I have to put it in my man room (wife doesn't like this at all)  now becase it is over 100 heat index here and not condusive to good snake drying.

When you are done you can remove the tacks and take the scissor and cut the belly scales off and  have a nice dried skin ready to back some bow limbs or dress up some arrows.

By the way.....I learned this from Snakewood3 who is the snake master.

[LURP DOG]

Stripstrike1,

 Thanx for the info!  I've heard of folks using tape to remove the scales. Have you ever heard of this and if so, does it work?

THANX AGAIN
DAVID

[Horne Shooter]

I've seen the results from Stripstrike's snakeskins and he has it down pat.  His wife is "not at all" pleased with the snakes drying in the house though.

[LEOPARD]

This is a great thread! Curing a snakeskin is something I've wanted to learn for a while now.
Thanks for the info!  

[tradtusker]

wade you don't put salt or anything on the skin? just tack it out and let it dry?

[loyd]

just let it dry, you can keep them in the deep freez tell you are ready, my wife loves that. loyd

[Stripstrike1]

Tape works well for removing the old scales and it brings out the color of the snake. As to tradtusker's question....you don't need salt or anything on the skin.  It will dry nice and clean like paper.

[wingnut]

I use a variation on this theme.  I use a staple gun to lay it out and a piece of plywood.  Usually do a few at a time though.  Friends and neighbors fill there freezer then trade me for something.  LOL

We thaw, skin, and dry.  Trim them up and roll the matched pairs together.  I keep em in my sock drawer in a ziplock.

Mike

[geno]

I was driving the dirt roads last night looking for some. I have turned them inside out and dried them on a rake handle in one piece. It also give you an excuse not to use the rake..  :D