I have a 500lb. 1/2 mount black bear that was brought in because it still smells like bear and is oily, it was mounted about 2 years ago and was tanned with ez 100, It was brought back and the hair was cleaned about six months ago with dawn and water and cleared up the smell for a little while, now it has been brought back to be cleaned again, my question is what else could I use to clean this, I was also told that if this dosn't help this time I was going to be taken to small claims court for the bear, the guy was charged about $750.00 for the mount when I did it 2 years ago,would this be something that I could be sued for in court? If any one could give me any advice that would be great! Thanks Mike
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my email should be miketina@wecnet.com Thanks
this is something that I was waiting to pop up but there isn't anything really set in stone when it comes to this kind of work.I would say he probably could take you to court but I don't think he would win.It has been 2 years and you are trying to make it right.Just make it right with him because word of mouth is the best or worst advertisement.
Mike, Im not real sure but I think you should be able to re hydrate the bear and figure out where the problem is, sounds like a grease and possible salt problem to me. Talk to Bruce Rittle on this one, if anyone can help you its him. As far as being held liable for the problem if you was a judge what would you decide?
You didn't get all the fat off and degrease the hide properly during tanning. That's the prime reason all bears should be done by professional tanneries unless you are quite proficient. Beavers and otters and all sheep/goats also fit this bill.
You have sadley provided him with a case that is wrongful on your part. Its a liablity to do inferior work. Not that your mount was bad in any respect, except the required degreasing.
Home tanned bears are tough. I am going to assume that since the price you charged was low, you could not afford to send the hide out.
I once had a bear that smelled like pig poop, Caroline furdreasing tanned it, it still smelled like pig poop and then the tanning oil. The client agreed in writing about the smell, before the mounting of it.
Now back to your problem, I think you did not degrease it well. Good luck, I would vote to remount and retan the hide. Or remount and degrease it.
I would get another bearhide that is the same size and condition that is properly tanned and remount it. Like George stated this should have been sent out. Sounds like you may have learned that now.
As far as going to court- Anyone any day of the week can win a lawsuit! For sure the guy has a course of action. Best of luck