I've got my first sheep to do. It is a Texas Dall. I fleshed it out yesterday. I was just wondering if there is anything I should know about sheep that might be different from deer. I allready checked the archives about horn removal. Are there any other tricks I should know before starting on this animal.
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Bob,
If you're REALLY lucky, your first "Texas Dall" will be your last one. The skin is thinner than a deer, the wool hold maggots and trash that are impossible to comb out, and that stinking sticky mooshy grease slathered all over the skin is impossible to get out in one try. Few if any commercial tanneries will accept the hides. When you mount it, plan on spending from 4 to 12 hours combing it out. Make sure you have a very HEAVY furriers comb and work from the back to the front taking only 1/2 inch strips. Make sure the hide is good and dry before you start. Sheep leather is is "pithy" and if your wool clogs the comb, you can rip out a chunk of hide. And if your'e good at it and you do a good job, forward your address and I'll send you my next few.
On the other hand I believe that the Texas Slam (Mouflon, Corsican, Black Hawaiian and Texas Dall) of sheep are some of the easiest mounts to do. They are small, they stretch like crazy and the skin is easy to sew through. On top of that EVERY tannery I use accepts Texas Dall capes, so call around, I don't know who George uses. I do know some do not accept Barborosa capes, New Method does the best job on those. All the other tanneries do a great job on the Texas Slam! As far as tanning it yourself, most of the grease and debri will be softened by your pickle (I use Bascal S on my home tans) and can be further removed by washing. I endorse sending it out though, I rarely home tan any more. Make sure and use a good epoxy to glue the skin around the horns or nail in place. They are a piece of cake!
Good Luck
I agree with Jim. Sheep are easy. I think George is thinking
about a Merino. I mount about 50 sheep per year & they are one
of the easiest for me to mount. Good luck.