Actually I decided to post this on this thread since Tyger seems to know more about types of fur that hold up well on a sporran.
So we have a stuffed black bear cub in our attic. My husband's grandpa shot it. Anyway, the mice (and I suspect a puppy) got to it's feet, ears, and nose, so it really isn't a pretty thing to look at anymore.
My husband thinks drenching it in gasoline and setting it alight could be amusing but since the hide is already tanned and before I let the pyromaniac ruin a good pelt, I thought I would ask:
Do bear hides shed/bald easily?
--Chelsea McMurdo--
This post is a natural product made from Recycled electrons. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
..... drenching it in gasoline and setting it alight could be amusing but since the hide is already tanned and before I let the pyromaniac ruin a good pelt, I thought I would ask:
Do bear hides shed/bald easily?
--Chelsea McMurdo--
Well, I would not fire the bear. It is guaranteed to be a horrible sight, stinking mess, and bad karma. I would try to salvage the hide. Bear skins are very durable, and a properly tanned hair skin would wear well. I think that the skin deserves an afterlife, and I would love to have a piece of it, if it is more than you need for your project.
My only thought is that because it is so old (50+ years) it may not be mounted as new ones are. I.E. The hide may just be tanned but was never softened...
This post is a natural product made from Recycled electrons. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
My only thought is that because it is so old (50+ years) it may not be mounted as new ones are. I.E. The hide may just be tanned but was never softened...
I would call VanDykes (http://www.vandykestaxidermy.com/) and ask to speak to one of their consulting taxidermists about this. They will give you his/her direct phone number, or take your number and have them give you a call back. PM me if you want me to help.
There are some pretty amazing ways to revitalize things....and a nice bear skin sporran would be fine.
Sounds like a future project: I just need some time and some dead animals. The latter is the easy part, especially if I go back up north.
Here's an idea inspired by the pheasant sporran: city pigeon. Pittsburgh has plenty of these birds, and I'm almost certain that they aren't immortal (though I've yet to see a rotting bird on the sidewalk). I'm sure if a couple end up in sporran form instead of whatever happens to city pigeons after they die (the lack of dead bird bodies is good from a health standpoint, but it's still weird), nobody will be too upset (except PETA).
Last edited by Rawlinson; 8th November 09 at 12:56 PM.
I spotted two possums on the off ramp yesterday, both were fairly well mangled and since I don't use that ramp daily it's hard to say how long they'd been there. I decided to leave them be.
Bob
Sounds like a future project: I just need some time and some dead animals. The latter is the easy part, especially if I go back up north.
Here's an idea inspired by the pheasant sporran: city pigeon. Pittsburgh has plenty of these birds, and I'm almost certain that they aren't immortal (I've yet to see a rotting bird on the sidewalk). I'm sure if a couple end up in sporran form instead of whatever happens to city pigeons after they die (the lack of dead bird bodies is good from a health standpoint, but it's still weird), nobody will be too upset (except PETA).
Hey a quick drive through the zoo should turn up some interesting specimens. Hey, I'm just saying...
but since the hide is already tanned and before I let the pyromaniac ruin a good pelt, I thought I would ask:
Originally Posted by Squeaky McMurdo
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