Timber Rattlesnake Skin

[southerngal]

I killed and skinned a 50" long Timber Rattlesnake today. I would like to keep the skin. What do I need to do next? The meat is off of the skin and I tacked it to a board. I'm not sure if I was suppose to tack it inside up or skin side up. ??   I was going to put out in the sun for a few days....but I'd like for the skin to last. Not going to do anthing other than mount on a board.

I've searched for tanning info. Someone, on another forum, mentioned home tanning recipes but I haven't found any online. Could someone please tell me what I should do?

Thanks in advance.

[Evelyn Billington (Superpig)]

If you haven't fleshed and tanned the skin properly, it will only dry real stiff and disintegrate over time. You need to get that skin off the board immediately and either freeze it until you have time to work on it, or flesh and tan it up ASAP. I would suggest to freeze the skin for now (I hope it is not too late) and order yourself a tanning kit for reptiles. WASCO carries the true tan reptile tan which works great. Rittel's reptile tan does a great job too.

Another thing, timber rattlers are protected in several states as an endangered specie. You may want to make sure you have a legal specimen on hand. If it is not legal to possess, get rid of it fast.

[southerngal]

I did enough internet reading last night to know to take it off the board. I soaked in water for a few minutes then rolled it up and put in the refreezer. I'll order the WASCO or Rittel's kit.  I saw them suggested several times.

They are not protected here so I'm okay. Thanks.

The skin came off of the flesh pretty easily. There might be some on one end, only on the very edges. What is the best way to get it off? I tried using a spoon but that didn't work.

I called the closest taxidermist (12 miles away) and he doesn't do snakes. :-/

Thanks again.

[Evelyn Billington (Superpig)]

Actually, a spoon or a butter kniife are the best tools to remove the flesh from the skin, unless you have a fish scraper. Go with the direction of the scales (on the flesh side) not against it. This makes it eaiser for the meat to come off. On the side use a downward motion towards the edge of the skin. You can also pick and peel pieces and strips of meat off with a smale pair of needlenose pliers.  Don't worry if you have a tiny bit of meat left on there. The tan will take care of that, and sometimes it is easier to peel those stubborn areas off after tanning.

[southerngal]

I ordered the True-Tan kit from WASCO.

Thanks again for your help.

(sorry, I originally posted this in the wrong section!)