Today's project-DIY 2 rattle snake hide mounts - rookie version

[Howard]

I have two nice rattlers that I am going to skin today and tan. They are thawing in washroom sink now- Wife will be yelling at me when she finds then shortly. Took em out last night.



I wanted to mount this big one but after pricing them (would have cost more than wt) I decided to poor boy it myself!

Killed this one on side of rd with jack handle


Stoned this one to death with one blow from large rock after almost stepping on it with crocks on




After seeing several options of at home make your own - I went ahead and ordered a kit for 23 bucks



Had to buy some pins, small brush, and sharp scissors at Walmart for less than 10bucks total. Sooo. Now we start skinning - going to try and keep head on both. Couldn't find a video one of head on skinning. Any tips appreciated.
Tail looks like most skin to tail rattles and then cut it all off together?

Here we go! More pics shortly

Local guy does custom cedar work and had a saw /mill - will get couple knotty rough cut boards to mount them on. One will go on my wall by mounts and other Trey wants in his room.

[PBFrijoles]

I soak mine in 50/50 glycerin/alcohol for a couple of weeks after skinning. Then de-flesh remaining meat on the skin and tack to old fence board.

[BuckRage]

I soak mine in 50/50 glycerin/alcohol for a couple of weeks after skinning. Then de-flesh remaining meat on the skin and tack to old fence board.

similar...... skin, deflesh as much as possible, 50/50 soak, deflesh again with a brillo pad, wash and then rub down lightly with glycerin, then tack and stretch.

[JLB]

Does freezing kill the protein in the poison. Be safe on the head end.

[Howard]

I don't know. May cut /pull fangs first thing. I have chemical kit- says 2 hrs or overnight.

Anyone w head skinning experience. Really want head on big boy. Maybe stuff it back with some of this modeling clay daughter is sitting here playing w to fluff head back up

[Drewboy22]

Following!

[Howard]

Here we go. Momma not happy doing it in "her" house !

[Howard]

Quarter by head

[critter69]

I don't know. May cut /pull fangs first thing. I have chemical kit- says 2 hrs or overnight.

Anyone w head skinning experience. Really want head on big boy. Maybe stuff it back with some of this modeling clay daughter is sitting here playing w to fluff head back up

If you have ever skined a bird head, it is very simular. Sounds like you want it flat skin, but the head mounted. If so, stop your belly insision short of the head. Turn inside out and skin out the head, be careful around eyes, mouth, and pits. But they skin pretty easy. Then if you go to one of the taxidermy supply places. You can find on the enternet. Order the corrcet size head and slide the skin over the fake head and use super glue to fasten the skin around the eyes, mouth,etc. You can buy eyes, fake mouth inserts all kinds of stuff. Just depends on how you want to do it.

[Howard]

One down one to go. This big one shouldn't have any holes



Kate's reading directions for me

[Brinkley]

Love it!!

[Thumper]

Awesome,

[boyhowdy]

I try to keep the white line down the center of the back as straight as possible for best results. Looks great on red velvet cut 1/2 inch wider than skin, then glued to a black felt board. you are doing good job.

[gneimeth]

Following - can't wait

[Howard]

We'll- both are done. Little one was easier! Figured bigger one would be easier. Little one is almost ready for soak. Big one is going to require a lot of fleshing. Says use a spoon. The borax is making it way easier - dries it and helps meat/tissue come off

Next step is mix the gallon of solution and soak overnight I guess. Says two hrs or overnight

Heads were not too bad. Amazing how much teeth the lower jaws have also