Bear Hunting Questions..

[tim_up_north]

I'm not a huge big game hunter per se. But this year I'd like to take a bear.

Would I get in touch with a taxidermist ahead of time to give a heads up that I'd like some work done? What do I need to do, hide wise, to preserve it for shipping to a taxidermist? Also, can I send a skull to said taxidermist for fleshing-out/preserving as well.

All I want is a tanned hide for a rug or throw, and some peices for the wife to make mitts out of. I'd like to have the skull bleached and I might wire it to a nice base or something...

Any tips folks have would be appreciated...there's very likely something obvious to you, that a noob wouldn't think of.



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[Demonical]

Tim I've got no advice on how to get a bear since I do not know where you live. If I knew that then I'd hazard a suggestion or 2...

As far as lining up a taxidermist I think I'd get the bear first and go from there.

 

[tim_up_north]

Tim I've got no advice on how to get a bear since I do not know where you live. If I knew that then I'd hazard a suggestion or 2...

As far as lining up a taxidermist I think I'd get the bear first and go from there.

I'm not very worried about finding/taking the bear ...its the what needs doing after.

I'll be back south in Hay River NWT so I'll likely be hunting down towards Ft. Smith near the Park, or maybe east toward Ft Res.....

 

[Demonical]

Okay Tim so you're in the Territories eh? Excellent! Actually I just realized that I do not know how to get a bear... can you take me!?


As far as the taxidermist thingy, Google it. Like say here in central Alberta, you just do a Google search and specify a search in Canada for Taxidermists in the Edmonton area, you'll end up with a list of like 20-25 taxidermists.


Now then, when do I head up there for the hunt...

 

[tim_up_north]

Now then, when do I head up there for the hunt...

I'd be glad to have a vistor to hunt with. I'd have to double check the regs, but I think non residents need a guide/outfitter.

Now, if I could get that ticket, I'd open the CGN Hunt Camp - NWT Branch

 

[H4831]

Bear hide preperation

The most important thing to do is to thoroughly SALT the hide as soon as possible. Use eight or ten pounds on a big bear, well rubbed in, fold the flesh side back on itself, then roll it up and put it in an open mesh bag. We are presuming you did a first class skinning job, including skinning the ears out and the lips and nostrils, as well as the toes. Attend to the drying later. Easiest, and best, way to flesh the skull, after you have roughly taken the flesh off, is to wire it down in an ant hill for a month or two.

 

[Arctic]

Tim,
Since you obviously haven't done this before,
1. Roll bear on back, make cut down belly from throat (6" behind skulll), cut from front paw to front paw down inside off legs, and down insides of rear legs to anus.
2. Skin out to wrists and ankles, sever.
3. Work skin up to back of skull, sever neck at first joint.
4. Cut off hindquarters and remove backstraps, ...if you don't want them, someone will!
5. Allow skin to cool overnight and then pack into a plastic garbage can and freeze solid.
6. Call Robertson's Taxidermy in Yellowknife, 867-873-6018 and tell them you're shipping it over with Buffalo Air!

Simple as can be!

~Arctic~

 

[Foxer]

LoL arctic - that does sound pretty simple

I don't get a lot of taxidermy stuff done - but i'll tell you one thing i've learned over the years listening to stories from all kinds of guys who do.... if you can get a reccomendation you trust to a good one - go with it. The skill set and professionalism of these guys varies a great deal, and a good one is worth his weight in gold, and word always gets around. Much better than the yellow pages.

 

[tim_up_north]

Tim,
Since you obviously haven't done this before,
1. Roll bear on back, make cut down belly from throat (6" behind skulll), cut from front paw to front paw down inside off legs, and down insides of rear legs to anus.
2. Skin out to wrists and ankles, sever.
3. Work skin up to back of skull, sever neck at first joint.
4. Cut off hindquarters and remove backstraps, ...if you don't want them, someone will!
5. Allow skin to cool overnight and then pack into a plastic garbage can and freeze solid.
6. Call Robertson's Taxidermy in Yellowknife, 867-873-6018 and tell them you're shipping it over with Buffalo Air!

Simple as can be!

~Arctic~

Thanks for your tips! I had a rough idea on what needed doing and you confirmed it. Good to know I can get work done in YK...a heck of a lot cheaper than sending it south!


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[gth]

2 methods
Flesh and salt,
or
flesh, cool and freeze


Once or the other but try to never salt then freeze.


If you havent turned ears, lips and noses before you may be better of leaving the skull and hands in then freezing it for the taxidermist to do at his convienience. (then again you gotta learn sooner or later so you might as well try)


Heat is the enemy with any hide. Get it off and get it cool as fast as you can. The longer the hide stays warm the more chance of hair slippage.

 

[Demonical]

Okay I have never skinned out a bear skull; always just knocked off the head and let the Taxi' do it.

Can someone with experience explain the correct method to skin out the nose, ears, lips, eyes etc...?

Appreciate the info!

 

[SignGuy]

Okay I have never skinned out a bear skull; always just knocked off the head and let the Taxi' do it.

Can someone with experience explain the correct method to skin out the nose, ears, lips, eyes etc...?

Appreciate the info!

given the delecate nature of the areas i would say you just summed it up well

 

[Arctic]

As to skinning the head out, it's best when shown one on one. Although I've skinned out too many, I'd prefer to not try and describe it here. Find a taxidermist and ask if they'd mind you watching a couple being done, .......there are tricks for a superior looking mount!

Hint, .......keep your knife close to the bone and leave lots of working material!

~Arctic~

 

[westcoaster]

t-u-n,
Arctic has summed it up pretty well. Buy a 20lb, oops, 10kg sack of salt and throw it in the back of your truck along with 3 to 5 very sharp knives. It is useful for the knives to range from a large bladed knife for bone work to 1 fileting knife for the more delicate cape work around the head. A scalpel (with a bunch of blades) also works very well around the head.