I am a beginner who was given a "black" gray squirrel to mount. The person had the squirrel in his freezer for several years before giving it to me. I'm having a heck of a time getting the lower legs and tail skun out without the skin tearing. Any suggestions how I can salvage this project? Thank you.
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Hi Joe, You didn't say what kind of problems you are having, so I am assuming it is freezer burned and dried out.Get a needle and syringe from your local feed store and slowly inject water into the dried out areas. Be patient and it will come. The tail you may have more of a problem with, but take your time.Also use a blunt tool to work up under the skin to peel apart, as with a knife you will keep on cutting it. If is too badly dried out, throw it away and get a fresh squirrel to work on. It will be a lot more fun.Good luck.
Joe, I had a fox squirrel a while back- very freezer dried. I skinned as much as I could then in a dishpan of water I dissolved as much borax as the water would hold and soaked the squirrel over night in the refrigerator. I had to weigh the squirrel down as it wanted to float. Next day I skinned some more then back into the soak. After the second day I could skin to the toes and slip the tail bones out. I then mounted the squirrel. I have used this process on old frozen ducks as well with good results BUT you must remember anytime you are working on what I call "salvage" jobs there is a certain amount of risk that you could lose the speciman. The dryer the critter the longer the soak and the greater the risk of loss. Good luck and remember to enjoy, Aaron H.