I am mounting a small beaver and could use some advice regarding the back feet. I know that the top layer of skin on the back feet is a little delicate as I just did one a few weeks back and had that top layer come loose. i was able to fix it easily but would like to avoid the problem next time. My specific question is this: I am planning this time for the first time to soak the hide in a pickle of saftee acid and salt. Will this cause any damage to the back feet? I was also told that I could put some degreaser right into the pickle and that it would not affect the pickling process adversely. Is this true?
Your help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks folks!
Mike Spencer
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Michael!I have mounted dozens of beavers and never noticed tender tootsies!Sounds to me like you either left the hide where it was warm for to long or you did not salt and dry properly.The salt and drying seats the hair folicles,Did you completly let the hide dry out?Or were you in a rush to get it in the pickle?That is where your problem lies!And yes you can put degreasers into the pickel although I opt to degress hides in the wash after pickeling and tanning! It does a better job!
Your problem,if you did,is salting,pickling,etc...When you have a specimen, skin it out then or freeze it,then skin,flesh,dry preserve,mount,cure,finish.
I forgot ...after you flesh it then soak in degreaser for 15 minutes,rinse,then carry on...