I know about the "Orange Button" but would like to know the best method to tan a large Rattlesnake for life size mount.I know there are a number of products available but would like to use the best way. Is one way better than another?
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i was taught to tack and stretch the skin on to a board and then for about 2 to 3 weeks use a mixture of 50% isyoprol alchol and liquid glycerin and wipe the skin down twice a day for the 2 or 3 week period. after that time you take the tacks or nails out of the skin and trim the belly skin off and the skin is very soft and pliable
But if you know about the "orange button", did you bother to use it. The information there is as good as you're going to get here and certainly about 99.9% better than you just got. Buy a kit like the orange button suggested. That's still the BEST WAY.
I got an e-mail from Bruce Rittel and he told me not to use his kit for a life mount of a Rattler. So maybe the "Kit" is not the best way according to the expert(Bruce Rittel) who sells the kits. He told me that his kit is better suited for making leather(belts-hat bands and wall hangers.
Here's how I prep all my rattlers for mounting:
Flesh completely, then soak overnight in a solution of dry preservative, 37% formaldahyde, and water. About 2-3 oz dry pres, 10 drops of formaldahyde to a gallon of water. The snake tanning kits are great for wall hangars and craft projects but are NOT suitable for lifesize mounts.
Bob Mead