help-fleshing bear

[sm]

i am new at taxidermy, and have acouple bear to do. i did the first one and think i may have tried to get to much fat off. the hair folicles are showing though alot. the skin is still smooth but alot of black is showing through. how much fat needs to come off and the best procedures to do this would be great if anyone can help. willing be sending to tannery.   thanks, sm

[Larry B]

The follicles will show.  You have to be careful not to cut off the "butts"  If it is important to you, you should send it out.  That way you can get a look at it when it is done. 

[Felpy]

Just scrape the hide clean on a fleshing beam.   Fall bear have thinner hides and the hair follicles will show through after fleshing (scraping).  Early to mid-spring bear have thicker hides and you shouldn't see the follicles.  So flesh that puppy, throw some salt on it, let it drain over night, and then send it to your tannery.

[oldshaver]

There is a fine line here. Too thin, and your bear will have little bald spots, all over it. Too much fat left on, and it might slip.(loose hair) As felpy said, the time of year harvested, makes alot of difference. Some are forgiving during fleshing, and some are not. As a general rule, dont quote me on this, you should be safe leaving 1/8 inch of fat. Dry salt it to a hard state. Store in a cool area, and avoid heat. The heat in the storage area, combined with the heat created by the fat will cause grease burn. Very distructive, to any fatty skin, including small game.