13 October 2023, 01:08
lechweHow long does a tanned cape last before mounting?
I killed a Shiras moose this week. He's not a huge bull and I'm on the fence about mounting him. I was considering having the cape tanned and storing it until I made a decision. How long can I keep a tanned cape for mounting before it's not good to use any longer?
Any advise would be appreciated.
D
14 October 2023, 09:05
Ricardo CIf it is "WET" tanned when you get it back it will be frozen and has to be kept that way , frozen rolled up with the head inside the roll.
If its a "DRY" tan it has to be rehydrated , soaked for a hour or so , drained, rolled up and sweated in a plastic bag over night , then rolled up with the head in the center and frozen . They will last this way for years , both tans.
There is a market for Moose capes if you decide not to mount it after the tanning and freezing
One of the best tannery's is in Michigan , " The Wildlife Gallery"
15 October 2023, 21:11
nobody2I’ve been mounting some skins that have been tanned 38 years & now going on 41 with this current one.
Dry tanned, soaked & frozen. Good as new.
16 October 2023, 13:41
Caracalquote:
Originally posted by Ricardo C:
If it is "WET" tanned when you get it back it will be frozen and has to be kept that way , frozen rolled up with the head inside the roll.
If its a "DRY" tan it has to be rehydrated , soaked for a hour or so , drained, rolled up and sweated in a plastic bag over night , then rolled up with the head in the center and frozen . They will last this way for years , both tans.
There is a market for Moose capes if you decide not to mount it after the tanning and freezing
One of the best tannery's is in Michigan , " The Wildlife Gallery"
Interesting.
Out of curiosity:
Could you freeze a dry cape without rehydrating it to keep it last longer?
What's the general estimation for "shelf life" of a dry tanned cape at room temperature?
Opinions ?
22 October 2023, 09:07
Ricardo CNot recommended. First question, NO. It won't last more than a few years if your lucky. when rehydrated to mount it may fall apart.
Second question ,Don't know , it all depends on the tan and the atmosphere it's kept in . Its a crap shoot.
24 October 2023, 21:13
GrumpaDo what Ricardo said in his first comment. Every tannery has a different storage shelf life on dry tan. Wet and frozen will last indefinitely. I've had dry tan "melt" in 6 months and others last 15 years. Don't take a chance. Wet and freeze.