Canadian Trappers Talk Forum

Last year, I caught my first 3 otters (ever) in the first week of November. Obviously, the hides were not quite prime and with fur prices way down, I decided to have them tanned. It cost $208.00 (canadian), taxes and shipping included. I will soon have them sent out again to have a hat and a pair of mitts made out of this fine fur. A Christmas gift to myself this year

I think that would be a nice gift,
I would like to get a seat cover made for my 4 wheeler.

Good idea, White! I would call it a "delux" seat cover. Perhaps a tanned beaver hide would be ideal? Tough and durable.

I went to one of my trapping buddies last night. He snagged a small kit beaver last week which he decided to keep for himself or give away as a gift. Anyhow, as I was fiddling with the dry and finished pelt, I figured it would make a perfect pillow cover. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't mind the least bit falling asleep at night with my face full of fur. Fur that comes from MY efforts and trapline. I just can't wait to be wearing my otters this winter.

You will have to show me some pictures when you get them done,

You can count on it

Where would you get a tanning kit for a reasonable price?

_________________
A trap seizes him by the heel;
a snare holds him fast.
Job 18:9 (New International Version)


"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."
Matthew 4:19 (New International Version)

I beleive Halford (Slutker Fur) has a kit. I have no idea about the price, product quality and its results.
I've always been iffy about do-it-yourself tanning. I prefer leaving the job to a trained and experienced tanner. No deceptions.

But is it cheaper to DIY?

_________________
A trap seizes him by the heel;
a snare holds him fast.
Job 18:9 (New International Version)


"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."
Matthew 4:19 (New International Version)

I would have to say yes. Just like fixing your car yourself will cost less than bringing it to the garage. As long as you know what you're doing, of coarse.

I ship all my tanning to International Fur Dressers in Winnipeg. They do a good job on garment grade. I would ship a lot more but tanning prices have gone up a lot in recent years.

_________________
Don Wilkins
HCTF Director
BCTA former-president
CNTA founding member
Retired Science Teacher

Mudry and Modern in Montreal does great work. Prices are posted for most skins. www.mudry.ca

Andrew - DIY tanning is cheaper and its Ok if you are doing a hide to hang on a wall or throw over a piece of furniture for decoration however you need a good quality tan to make a garment.
In fact most garment makers will request a commercial tan.
Greg

THanks!

_________________
A trap seizes him by the heel;
a snare holds him fast.
Job 18:9 (New International Version)


"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."
Matthew 4:19 (New International Version)

Any pictures of the hat and mitts yet Bugsy ???

_________________
Member BCTA
BCTA Trapping Instructor

"It's what you learn after you know it all that really counts."

Not just yet. Things didn't work out the way I intended on my "to do list" and I just recently sent out my otters. But I am a man of word and I'll post the pics when I receive the merchandise.
I am fairly surprised at the low cost of production. $75 for the hat and another 75 for the mitts. The interior lining of the mitts will be made out of sheep wool, whereas, the interior of hat will be covered with micofiber (polar type material).