Whip, this is always a tough call. Most of us have our capes tanned for basic reasons. Its proven, sound, and virtually bugproof. Its gives us better control when mounting the speciman, from a mechanical standpoint. In studios like mine, tanneries are NOT what slows us down, the workload does. Just the numbers makes for a waiting list, plus the number of years in the biz, you develop a backlog. Tanneries actually help me SAVE time, as theyre tanning while Im mounting!

In the industry, many taxidermists look down at alternative methods as less than acceptable. The fact is theres many methods out there, all or most will stabilize, or preserve the cape or skin, not always tanned. There are some who even question the true need to tan them at all. Powders like dry preservative have been popular for many years in certain areas or the country.

Id say to look up some satisfied customers of hers and look at some of the older work. Look at her display too. If it meets your criteria, who cares what anyone else thinks, right? My opinion of that process probably isnt the same as hers. Why, if its that easy, doesnt all of the rest of us do it? Certainly not to be slow, and hold things up. Its a matter of opinion, and preference.

Heck, in the industry, us taxidermist often argue over what the best tanning methods are! Good luck to you!