I shot a black bear 1 1/2 year ago. I skinned the bear and placed the hide in a garbage bag, and put it in my deep freezer all within a few hour of killing the bear. I want to bring the hide to a commercial tanner but somebody told me that because the hide was in the freezer for over a year it is probably freezer burnt and useless. Is this true?
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should beable to rehydrate the burnt areas in the pickle. thats my best guess
No, the hide can be rehydrated. I use Borax water (about 4oz.Borax to every gallon of water)soak the hide for a day or two. Take it out and flesh the hide if not already done. Then give the hide a good rinsing to wash off the borax,you may want to use alittle soap to degrease the hide, but make sure you rinse it all out. Then hang it up for a couple of hours, then lay it on the floor and salt the hide. Wipe any moisture up that the salt may draw out of the hide. Once the hide is dried out it is now ready for the tannery. This is how I rehydrate freezer burnt hides and get them ready for tanning. It works for me, but I also see things in catalogs to rehydrate hides.Good Luck
Let them know your bear has some freezer burn. I have had many bears I sent out with freezer burn, and sometimes they charge you an additional charge, but it is definately salvagable, as long as your dealing with a reputable tanner.