tanned elk shelf life

Submitted by K.B. on 6/8/05 at 12:52 PM. ( naturesimage63@msn.com ) 4.180.48.94

Could someone tell me if a 12 yr old tan on a shoulder elk is worth buying from a customer.He wants a 100.00 for this med sized bull elk.It seems to be a nice tan,but will I have problems after soaking?

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I Wouldn't.......

This response submitted by Old Fart on 6/8/05 at 2:06 PM. ( ) 64.122.137.27

....Buy it. Most tan's deteriorate after a year. That's not saying it won't be ok, but I wouldn't bet on it. Anything that I have tanned, that won't be used within six months goes in the freezer and is stored that way until I need it. I have used tanned skins that were as old as six years without any major problems, but I did notice a decrease in workability.

If you and the client live in a dry western state where the cape has not been subject to much humidity the odds are better that it may still be good. Twelve years is a long time for a tan. If he woud be willing to let you soak it up and see if it's good, then OK. Otherwise I stand by my first statement....DON"T BUY IT!


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