I will post a step-by-step trial-and-error on the Bowyer's Bench, but thought I'd first post a couple pics here of my favorite go-to bow, the 'Green Machine' Pronghorn of which I am at least the fourth owner. I've long wanted to put snake skins on it, but lacked the guts to start the project. Finally I just decided to go for it and here are the results.
Okay this first picture shows the bow before working on it. Actually loved the dark green laminate riser, but felt the limbs were a hair bright or gaudy. That having been said, there were hundreds of times I held it out in front of me in the early fall woods and it blended perfectly.
Still, I wanted something different and felt a snakeskin was the answer. So I got a couple prairie rattler skins from former Nebraskan Shedrock (thanks, Tracy!) and followed a tutorial from TradGang and frequent advice from TG'ers, and here's the result.
Here it is alongside another beautiful Herb Meland Pronghorn bow with Curly Ash limbs.
I'm pleased with the results and wish I'd tackled the project sooner. I think I was able to match the skins and finish to the riser, and also get a camouflage pattern and cool factor I could get no other way. Thanks, TG'ers, for the help.