can you use aluminum tags attached with a zip tie to the earbutts for identification.or will the metal react with the chemicals . in the archieves it said they use a punch code system when sending to tannery.skins don't leave the house but want to match cape to horns with matching numbers
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Use the plastic numbered tags available from most supply houses.Buy 2 sets of tags so you have duplicate numbers. Most metals react one way or another with chemicals in tanning and pickling baths.
I use a nail and punch hole's on the inside back of the dear and then write the number or letter on the horns with a marker because my tannery uses there punching system on the brisket
some tanneries say keep all sharp objects away from deer or you will be charged a sharpening fee if they find any.
You can use livestock tags. Used to tag the ears of sheep and cows. They come in different sizes. You can find them in a farm supply store. There are web sites that you can order the same tags from. You can get your company name and a number sequence added to them. attach with zip ties.
and never had a problem. We code each skin to the same number shown on each sequetially numbered invoice, that each seperate client is written up on. This same number is attached to each skull, horn/skull and antler/skull piece, other bodyskin piece, etc. this way all parts have the same number. If there are two items, of the same species, capes, bodyskins, etc....we just code like 4635-1 and 4635-2, etc. We code the skins using a three edged punch, about the diameter of a 16 penny nail, stuck into a piece of broom handle, and sharpened using a mill bastard file or an electric grinder. This will leave a nice sharp long point with a triangulated tip. This tip cuts a three sided hole that will not close up due to tanning, etc.
The numbers punching follows this rule...........
.... 4
...... 6
... 3
..... 5
thus leaving the coded number of 4635. We always start the first number along the cape edge and work the numbers inward. ON small fine furs we use a much smaller punch and punch in between the shoulder blades. Bears, etc. we punch on the front legs, above the elbows. The only way to screw this up is by punching in the wrong number....and they won't fall off....for any reason.
I have been using some scrap siding and cut into 2 x 2 squares and
take your dremal tool and cut any number in it you want.
Then you can reuse them next season.
Plastic Zip ties to attach the tag to the hide. I use 2 tanners. One likes the plastic tags. One only wants the number punched. I like the tags, because it is easier to find my skins when a problem occurs. I have had some mix ups when the skin is punched.
43- ....
...
can become
34- ...
....
if attention is not paid.