bear pelts

[Ratman]

If i am successful this fall, i want to save the pelt from a black bear i plan to kill. I am too middle-class poor to have a rug made, but i was wondering how just tanning a black bear hide would turn out? I am thinking of just skining out the head and paws. am i missing anything? suggestions welcome

[jiml]

Bear rugs have a fake skull in them so make sure you boil yours. It'll be an extra trophy. I've done some deer hides I only imagine that a bear would be the same. Only bigger. Make sure you get all the fat out of the pads when you flesh. Good luck on your hunt.

[Ratman]

Thanks Jim. I definatly will be saving and bleeching the skull too. One week til the season opens and i am getting excited!

[bigjohn]

Home tanning a bear may be more than you want to tackle.Unlike a deer,bear are very,very greasy and most taxidermist send them out for tanning rather than risk it themselves and having the hair slip.

[Ratman]

I think will take your advise and have my taxidermist send it in to be tanned. I want to be sure i skin it properly. I figured on making a belly cut to the chin. But On the head, should i remove the lower lip like a coon or just leave it on? also would it be possible to tan a bear hide if it is case skinned? which would be better? probably the rug style i am thinking but a cased bear would be neat too

[trkyslyr]

why pay a taxidermist to send it to a tannery??? if ur gonna sent it to a tannery, just ship it yourself and save $100+ dollars.... I'd ask the tannery first about a case skinned bear..... never heard of it done....

[Ratman]

he is good friend and wont rake me that bad. at least he never has in the past. I trust he will prepare (salt it properly) before sending

[krank]

Got some buddies that go to Canada to bear hunt. Cheaper than the USA. THey all do rug mounts. Put the skull back in the hide and have all the claws spread out. Mounted on red or blue flannel. They all worked out good except one that is shedding gobs after ten years.
I wouldnt hesitate to do my own but thats me....I screwed up enough to know what not to do.

[jiml]

What part of Canada? I went to a place called Pine Acres Bear Camp about 20 years ago. Great people, my dad still goes up every year. He mostly fishes any more and helps out around the camp.