Advanced Tanning Solutions

Rick goes step by step (in the full video) showing you how to turn this boa constrictor snakeskin into leather. Check out our Free 1 Hour Masterclass on Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sN2_XWo_IuA #boaconstrictor

The key to a quality tanned hide starts in the field. Taking care of the hide or skin from the beginning - skinning, fleshing, salting or freezing right away will minimize the chances of bacteria growth. Bacteria growth is what causes hair slippage. “Treat it like you are going to eat it”!

Finish the Hunt: Save the Hide

What is stuck shed? #snakeskin #snakeleather #tanasnake

Check out Rick's mountain lion dancer’s cape! Traditionally worn for warfare, with beads made from wood, bone, and stone. Tanned with Pickle Tan A-21 🪶 #nativeamerican #hairontanning #furskin

Check the chart - how much NuTan do you need? P.S. NuTan and DIY Tanning Kits are 20% off for #BlackFriday Weekend... Head over to our website to save sitewide!

Snake Oil is Step 2 in the tanning process. It’s what keeps the skin soft. A little goes a long way! #snaketanning #snakeleather #burmesepython #python #tanasnake #advancedtanningsolutions

BATTLE EVERGLADES: Snake Tanning turns invaders into leather

Welcome to our python snakeskin tanning tutorial! Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, this video is for you! Amy Siewe, known as The Python Huntress, attracted our attention when we learned about her efforts to eradicate these invasive, non-native species from the Florida Everglades. Pythons have decimated up to 90% of the natural wildlife in some areas of this region. We share Amy’s sentiments on "saving the hide”, so it’s only fitting that we tan one of the snakes she caught using our Tan-a-Snake kit.

Park County 4H Club Visits Mountain West Tannery

Kids from the "Hamburger Helpers" 4H club from Bailey, CO got a hands-on tour when they visited Mountain West Tannery in Greeley, CO. They learned about the tanning process there from Levi and his brother and sister team. The team will donate the hide to the 4H club where they will auction it off at their fundraising event this summer.

Rick’s talent goes beyond just tanning and taxidermy. He knows how to tan, design, and sew authentic native fur garments from his harvests. #furgarments #coyotehunting #coyotecoat #hairontanning #advancedtanningsolutions #tanafurkit

Tanning with Pickle Tan A-21

Pickle Tan A-21 is a revolutionary product that can be used as a pickle and a tan. Unlike strong acids, the pickle works at a high pH. Then the tan also fixes at a pH of 4.3-4.5. This product is developed specifically to prevent acid rot. It provides excellent stretch and softness. Pickle Tan has great hair setting and stitch-holding ability, and will easily rehydrate for a wet tan. These attributes make is great for flat tanning or taxidermy mounting.

Customer Highlight

Customer Hightlight! Sharing this from Donelda, one of our customers. This DIY, do-it-yourselfer, is truly an inspiration (did I mention also a great-grandmother?). "My first raccoon. Picked it up at the side of the road, first one I skinned on my own, first eyes put in. Your tanning product is so great. The little guy is soft and pliable. It was a fun one! Donald's tip on drying: I did put it in a frame to dry. I use the back of a wooden spoon to push and stretch in all directions a bit every day. I let it dry for 2 weeks in a room with gentle heat and a de-humidifier. Once it is not oily and slippery and pretty much dry, etc. I use the pumice/softening stone on it while it is still in the frame. I do end up cutting off a bit around the edge of the skin where the holes are. Not much. I like the frame because my skin is flat when done."