I am about to atempt my first full mount bear. I have the bear skinned, all turnings done and it is fleshed, salted and almost dried. My question is should I have it wet tanned or dry tanned as for rugs? Could anyone suggest someone who wet tans bears as the tannery I normally use does not wet tan them.Also what is the best way to stretch the hide in order to get measurements for the form?Any help would be really appreciated.
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Wet tans for mounts, dry tans for rugs. On a dry tan, you rehydrate and sweat. Then I step on one side and pull the other up as hard as I can. Then I step on the butt and pull up on the front shoulders. Then I pull it sideways one more time and measure before ordering my form. I never order a form until I get the hide back from the tannery and stretch it.
Dave, I just got a black bear back from Golden State, and I AM VERY PLEASED. They did a great job reasonable price and only took 55 days from the time it left my shop untill it was back.
Hope this helps.
Golden State Tannery
1055 S. Soderquist Rd.
Turlock Calif. 95380
Here is one of the best tanneries around. Contact Joe or Eric and they can provide you with any information you need.
1-877-tan-furs
...they have done several bears for me this year...wet tanned, and did an excellent job. I dont think I have waited longer than 4 weeks and they will even to the fleshing and prep if you want.