Just wondering what procedure a fox skin has to go through to be properly tanned for mounting. It will be my first try at one. Do I skin it, turn, split,lips eyes and ears like a deer? Then salt. I send my deer capes to a professional tannery. Is there a solution to tanning a fox easily myself? Any info would be great, also if anyone knows of any surprizes that I might encounter and avoid before attempting this mount, I like to know now if possible.
Thank you
Clinton
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Turn the ears etc and put it straight into the KROWTANN. No salting needed.
All mammals are essentialy the same as far as tanning goes. You skin,salt rehydrate,pickle.tan and then oil. One problem I had when I first started doing foxes is slippage on the muzzle and ear tips. The heat from your hands when turning ears will cause the ear hair to slip. The ears are the first to thaw causing it to be the first to get bacteria. There will be more in the archives so you might check it out there also.
Todd B
Clinton, Before you put this fox together be sure to have some good reference photos. Proper ear position and hair pattern placement are key points to good results. Be certain to turn the ears to the edges and tips. Dig out generous holes in the form for ear butt work and fill with soft clay, remember how the ear canal went down to the skull below the muscle layers? (apoxie sculpt makes good ears). If you have the carcase for comparison with the mannikin any alteration will be easier. As always, don't try fitting the skin to a form for a larger fox than you have. Good luck and enjoy, Aaron H.