What is the best method for skinning bear paws for a lifesize mount and why? This is my first one.
Thanks
Andy.
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I personally like to skin them out right down to the claws. I also keep the toes bones attatched and just remove all flesh and tendons. Flesh the pads of all the fatty tissues and then when you mount, put a little clay on each toe as you rebuild the missing tendons and flesh as well as the missing pads. A little latex caulk injected into each toe will allow for proper addjusting when you are finishing later. You don't have to split the pads either. Don't salt the hide before skinning the feet either as you will not be able to turn them. Another thing that makes it easyer to skin the feet is to leave the feet attached to carcass so you have something to hold on to and apply preasure with.