do skins need to be tanned?

[iabboy]

do skins need to be tan or can i mount something while the skin isnt dry yet, i was thinking it would shrink down while drying.

[komodo_28]

When I mount mammals smaller that a fox I use dry preservative and no tanning is needed. You just need to flesh well like always.

[iabboy]

ok so you mount it before the skin dries and gets stiff?

[Gohrings Taxidermy]

Yes just flesh it good,wash it and rub on the dry preservative and mount it

[Kevin]

Tanned or not, I mount it before the skin dries and gets stiff.  This question seems a bit odd.  I am taking it that you don't think it is tanned until it has dried.  It is tanned as soon as it comes out of the tanning solution.  Then some oil and mount then, some oil, tumble and dry, rehydrate then mount.

[museum man]

please, have your mammal skins tanned

[Hammer]

I would assume it would be very difficult to mount once the hide is dry and hard. But I have never tried it so I wouldn't know for sure. All kidding aside, you need to tann it or preserve the hide somehow.

[Steven .B]

I'd have it tanned before mounting, Dp is not the best of things to use.. You will get a much better job by haveing it tanned!!!!  If you are not sure what you are doing, there is more than enough info on this site to help you along your way...  Take you time and don't be in a big hurry and everything will turn out fine....  you will only get out of it what you put in it!!!
Good luck!!!   A good home tann to use  is krowtann just follow the directions!!!!!!!!!! 

[phoenix-cry]

If ya don't tan your skin it will rot and decompose like any other dead animal.