Iím doing a wolf mount and have run into a problem with the ears. I bought the skin from an unknown trapper ñ tanned by an unknown tanner so I donít really know anything about the quality of the tan. The ears were never turned but I thought I could do it anyway with patience. As I attempted to grab hold around the ear ñ not that hard ñ the leather tore apart like a wet paper towel. I now have a 1 ½î to 2î rip that I know Iíll just keep tearing messing around the area and if I try to repair it before I mess around trying to turn to ears it well tear out the stitch because the whole area is like decomposed leather ñ rotted. I think I can get around the problem when everything is sewn up but Iím worried about trying to turn the ears without tearing up the whole ear or the area around it. The rest of the hide seems more or less fine ñ no weak spots like around the ears.
Anyway, the question Iím asking is there anything that can be done to an un-turnd ear to preserve it or is it an absolute must the ear be opened up for an ear liner or such. I wondered if anyone has tried some resin mixture or whatever injected in the ear with a needle at various places. At this point all I know is to proceed and hope I donít tear it up much more (?) ñ if there are any suggestions please let me know.
Thank you,
Brian
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to stop working on those ears, they are already too acid rotten to open. You will find that the feet are also in that condition. Mount as usual and card the ear's cartilage with something stiff , like milk carton or plastic jug material and sandwich the ear with two sides, using huge paper clips or closepins.