I have just received two salted caribou capes from a friend who has just returned from the tundra. The capes have been salted but not fleshed. I cannot get to them for 3 to 5 days and am wondering what the best way to care for them. Do I refrigerate or freeze? Should I leave the salt on or remove it? What about antibacterial treatment to prevent hair loss or slippage? Any and all help will be greatly appreciated. Skeeber
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Usually when I recieve caribou capes they are turned, fleshed and salted if so shake off excess salt and resalt to let dry. You shouldnt have to freeze them unless preparatory work before tanning wasnt completed. Caribou usually don't have much fat on them and the guides in the camps or a skinner should have done the work. Good luck, Mark
Not to be smart, but if you have time to be on here you at least have the time to get the eyes, nose eras, and lips turned! Don't mess around and let these be ruined! If they are too dry to turn and flesh here is a story for ya! I recently did a dall sheep that came in totally dry without the lips, or anything else turned. At the price of those sheep hunts, can you imagine a guide pulling that! All we could do was send the hide to the tannery along with a note saying, please do what it takes to save this and make it work. It cost us a little extra but they did the job. Only lost a little hair on the shoulder that was easily repaired. If that is the case with these, it may be your only option. Good Luck!
You should turn and split everything as soon as possible. Untill then, keep in a cold refridgerator. Don't leave anty big chunks of meat on them and get everything out of the nose area. Your mount will not look good if you take a chance on any of those little silver nose hairs slipping. Do it the right way and don't try shortcuts on a customers trophy. Maybe even put in a few extra hours to get it done right away.
Mark C
I sure dont know your situation, but around here, when a green hide (raw) comes in, it HAS to take priority. The sh*ts of being a taxidermist, Id say...although we are all thankful they even come in!
Last Saturday I had a guy call at 11 am he said they had 3 caribou capes. I told him I would be here until 5:30, he showed up at 5:15 with 3 dripping capes. All were salted, nothing was done with the eyes,nose and the ears were not turned. Needless to say I did not leave until after 9:00 pm, but the hides were prepped and salted. One of the disadvantages of dealing with non local skins is having to fix things that are not always done properly.