Old Wall Hanger Help

[Shannon Tobey]

My mom brought me two red fox and Yote that she got from someone who didnt want them anymore. They are cut to be wall hangers. The problem is all they did was skin them and let them dry out. I was wondering if I might be able to rehydrate them somewhat and tan them somehow or at least better preserve them. They have been like that for sometime now. I can post a pic of what it looks like if that will help. They also stink, which I presume is the flesh smelling. Is this possible do you think or do I risk too much slippage? Thakns for any input!

[muscle20]

      If they are just air dried skins and over a year old, I do not think that you will  be able to hydrate them enough or at all for tanning purposes, as the grease left in the skins for a lengthy time would of acted on the skins making them useless, that is probably the odor you detected, as the fat and grease break down and the fatty acids deteriorate the skin, the only thing you could do is try to hydrate, but like I stated your wasting your time if they have been in that dried state for more than a year. And to hang on to them in that state is not a good idea, as they will attract carpet beetles for sure.

[Shannon Tobey]

Ok, thank you!