Services

Every skin is individually softened, and the finished texture reflects the species and the animal. Thick, heavy hides like bear will generally have more structure and a coarser finish than thin-skinned animals like fox.

We recommend reviewing our personal collection of tanned skins before sending us your furs so you know what to expect.

The condition of the skin when it reaches us is the most important factor. Prime, well-cared-for skins give the best results. Damage to the skin prior to arriving at the tannery cannot be undone. Cool the skin quickly, avoid nicking it while skinning, and flesh and salt it or freeze it right away.

See "How should I prepare my pelt for tanning?" for details.

There are a few acceptable ways of preparation:

• Fleshed and salt-dried (preferred) — Salt drying is an important step in achieving the best quality tan. Well-fleshed, salt-dried skins with ears turned and lips and tails split allow for the best quality skins. Do not salt dry your skin if you are unable to remove all the flesh.

• Fresh frozen, fleshed or unfleshed (fleshing fees apply if not fleshed) — Fresh skins allow us to ensure they are well fleshed and prepared before salting and continuing the process. Do not salt and then attempt to freeze.

• Fleshed and air dried — Acceptable as long as they are appropriately fleshed. Turning the ears and splitting the tails and lips allows for the best quality. Skins must be bug-free.

• Whole carcass — May be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Additional skinning, carcass disposal, and fleshing fees will be charged.

Do not salt or dry skins unless they are well fleshed. Dry skins that have not been appropriately fleshed will spoil, grease burn, rehydrate, and tan poorly.  These skins may incur additional charges or not be accepted at all.

We reserve the right to refuse any skins that are not properly cared for.

All attempts at keeping the fur dry should be made. Debris may be combed from the fur, and excessive blood should be wiped away with a rag.

Ideally, wet fur should be allowed to air-dry once put up; otherwise, freezing the skin is recommended.

No. Borax, baking soda, and most soaps are alkaline in nature and can negatively affect aspects of the tanning process or even loosen the fur. Other chemicals should be avoided as the skin should be as natural as possible before starting the tanning process.

You should fold the skin flesh-to-flesh and place it in a bag with as much air removed as possible.

Try to leave skins as flat as possible; this decreases freezing and thawing times and reduces bacterial growth.

Cased skins should be turned fur side out, and may be rolled tail to head.

Furs left in the freezer for extended periods risk freezer burn, which may result in ripped skin and fur slippage.

Large skins, like bears, may spoil in the freezer, as it takes a considerable amount of time to freeze through.

Yes, please contact us for prices on animals not listed.

We do not tan large, thick-skinned animals (elk, moose, bison, cows, etc.), wooled sheep, exotics, reptiles, or fish at this time.

Yes. We only accept skins lawfully harvested or obtained. A DNR number will be required and kept on file along with your full name and address.

It is up to the customer to ensure all laws of transporting raw skins across state lines are followed.

Furbearers requiring CITES tags will be subject to tagging laws.

Because so much of our process is done by hand and in high demand, large quantities of skins may need to be delivered in smaller batches. Please contact us to discuss the details of your order.

We do not offer bulk discounts. Every skin gets the same hands-on attention no matter how many are in the order.