Submitted by June on 2/22/1999. ( yresim@netwiz.net )
I learned skinning in a very odd way and I was just wondering what everyone else thought of it.
Instead of starting off with a squirrel or some such (as my book suggested), I went out and bought a few packages (8 per package) of small "feeder" mice. I then proceeded to skin mice over the next several weeks until I got good enough at it that I could get the whole thing off without a single rip. I then started in on other small animals for mounting (I learned tanning as a kid). I just wanted to know what you all thought of that. It was *cheap* and I know know (or at least am pretty sure that) I'm not going to come accross any mammals that I don't have the precision to skin.
I just wanted to hear from all of you, beginners and experts, out there. How did you learn to skin? Does my way sound like a good idea or a complete waste of time???
Let me know,
June
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This response submitted by Bob C on 2/22/1999. ( Bobswildlife@webtv.net )
June, Why not ? You've got to star somewhere. If you can skin a mouse you shouldn't have any problems with anything else !! Bob C
This response submitted by Duran on 2/23/1999. ( kincaidj@tce.com )
June,
I learned to skin squirrels from my Dad when i was just 6 or 7,
He and I learned the easiest way to skin a deer together. When I was a teenager I had to skin more than one animal alone. Needless to say I damaged a few skins. At the time it didn't matter though 'cause this was all done for hunting and consumption.
When I started studying Taxidermy a little over a year ago, I read different ways that an animal should be skinned. I've learned that the incision must be made in different areas based on different poses and mounts.
What I have determined from all I studyed is that skinning seems to come to this point: the removal of the skin from the carcass in the easiest and best possible way for the desired mount which results in the least amount of damage (of any kind) to the skin.
Everything else is just technique and personal preference.
And, I agree with Bob C, if you did well skinning something as small as a mouse then you should'nt have too many problems!!
Good Luck,
Duran
This response submitted by June on 2/24/1999. ( yresim@netwiz.net )
Thanks so much. I'm glad to know that someone other than my sister (who came up with the idea) agrees with me. You have no idea how many people (mostly hunters) have told me I'm crazy for it. Not that I ever said I wasn't crazy. I just don't think I'm crazy over that.
Thanks again,
June
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