For those of you who know, when you are in the field after you skin your bear, what do you do to keep it good for a day or two before the taxidermist? If I put it in a game bag and keep it cool, will it be allright? Thanks

If the temperatures are reasonably cool the hide will not spoil in a day or so.If it is hot you should skin out the head and paws as well and salt the hide if you can't get it to a cool location preferably a freezer.

The best thing to do is carry enough salt for the hide. My taxidermist in Anchorage provided free 50# bags of salt for hunters to take into the field with them. You risk hair slipping, especially on the bear's face, if you put it in a bag without salting and draining. You're better off laying it out in the shade and letting it dry rather than putting it in a bag.

Check out Knight's Taxidermy. Russ sells a great little field guide on how to skin and care for bear skins.

[ 05-18-2003, 20:21: Message edited by: Toomany Tools ]