How long can you keep a hide in the freezer?

Pace Maker · 04-22-2005, 07:36 AM

I have a black bear taken in Canada last June, it's still in the freezer. I was wondering how long I could keep it there before I have problems, if it's not already too late. My father in law use to trap a lot and keep hides in the freezer for a year, even more at times and they were fine. He constantly recieved praise for the shape of his hides from the buyers he sold to. I was wondering what was the norm. I'm headed to Alaska tomorrow (4/23) on another bear hunt. If I'm fortunate enough to harvest one, I'll have both rugs done at the same time. I have a local taxidermist that I may settle on but if anyone has any info on rugs or does it themself please contact me if you're interested.
Thanks for any information.
John

Bill Yox · 04-22-2005, 09:47 PM

Personally, I dont care to freeze bears or other super fatty hides for very long. Sometimes youll get a hide that the fat penetrated and just wont come out of. I tell my customers that if theyre having me do bear work for them, to please get the hide in here. Even if theyre not ready to do the taxidermy, at least lets process the hide at the tannery before we run into trouble. Good luck on your hunt.

moosehornhunter · 05-09-2005, 06:27 AM

Pace....I have an awesome bear taxidermist. Let me know if you need him. I'm not sure what file is the bears so I will put them all up.

moosehornhunter · 05-09-2005, 06:28 AM

another

Bill Yox · 05-09-2005, 10:07 PM

Heres a nice bear pic from my portfolio, hope the pic works here!

Bill Yox · 05-09-2005, 10:08 PM

Well, the pic didnt work...if anyone wahts to see it, let me know and Ill try sending it, if someone can resize it or something...lol. I hate computers!

rick_reno · 05-13-2005, 10:53 AM

It should be ok, but I wouldn't leave it in the freezer much longer. The problem is they dry out.