1st Snake Project (pics)

[MSARCHER]

#3191

Well, the other day i’m cruising around facebook and a buddy of mine posted a pic of a timber rattler his dad killed. Now while most were posting “ugh gross” or “that’s so ugly”, i’m thinking…man what a beauty. So I messaged him and asked if I could have it and try my luck at skinning it because i’ve read on here from some of you on how to effectively do it and of course he agreed. I’ve posted some pics of the process just to share.

As you can see, he’s just a young snake, but still a beauty.

I can still smell that…..phew!

Borax is awesome!

After several days and about 3 applications of Borax, she’s nice and dry. As you can see, there is a hole toward the rear. The snake was ran over and this was the cause of the hole. I’m still in the learning curve and I really have no specific purpose for the skin but I just love this kind of stuff. I have a hunting room/man cave that may be its new home….we’ll see.

[Jason Wesbrock]

#17501

I’ll bet that would look great on a bow.

[Etter1]

#17558

Great job! Not a young snake though. Rattlers don’t keep their rattles as they age. Regularly lose them.

[Troy Breeding]

#18458

Etter1 beat me to it. Can’t tell the age of a rattler by the number of rattles.

Still great job!!!

Just one hint of advise to those that have never delt with snakes.

Always wear rubber gloves when skinning and handling them.

Not only is the smell the devil to wash off, but coming in contact with salminilla (sp) is more likely when dealing with snakes than chicken meat.

Troy

[MSARCHER]

#18615

Thanks guys, I always learn stuff hanging around here…I was told they get a rattler every year of age and thats how you could tell.

And Troy, although green, I did wear rubber gloves each time, and thanks to you for this project as I went by one of your older posts on how to do it.

Here’s a question though….I read wear you use masking tape to remove the scales. Is this necessary to do even if i’m not planning on backing a bow with it? and will removing the scales take away from the darker pattern of the skin?

Thanks ahead!

[Troy Breeding]

#18790

I would advise removing all the scales if possible. Even if your only going to hang the skin on a board.

Over time the remaining scales will start to lift and make the skin look rather course. The lifted scales will start to turn clear and stand out away from the skin even if you spray a finish on it.

Troy

[William Warren]

#20049

Yep, that would grace my man cave until I found a mate for it and then it would skin a nice bow. 😀

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