Bear Skin Maintenance

My wife insisted on buying this black bear skin "rug" a few weeks ago. I have it stored in a double wrapped plastic bag in the deep freeze but would like to know how to care for it and what to avoid doing with it. I have no clue how it was tanned but the skin seems pliable and of a good thickness. The hair seems good and I would like to clean it but don't know the best way.

The face is in tact but there is no skull. It is quite large. Another friend suggested having it backed with felt to help preserve the skin but I am not sure that would make it good at a rendezvous for a neat display item. It would be nice with the felt for a bed covering.

 

[musketman]

The face is in tact but there is no skull. It is quite large.

All I can think of is those poor track-or-treaters on Halloween when you jump out of the shrubbery wearing that... :crackup: :crackup: :crackup: :crackup:

I vacuum mine with the hose attachment (for chairs), works great...

Mine is also felt lined (backed), had it that was for 12 years now...

One note, I had to use a lice shampoo on my bear hide when I got it from the shooter, don't know who gave the bear cooties, but it had some...

 

Musketman

Ha! Hadn't thought about that and the neighbors up here all pull tricks on each other for Halloween too. I may win this year!:haha:

Sounds easy on the rug/fur. We'll get it back with felt then. I am wondering if it needs to kept in a deep freeze like a fur coat when not in use?

 

[Huntinfool]

Be careful Frank that some elementry school trick or treater don't pull out a Glock and fill you full of holes when you jump out of the bushes! :crackup:

Chuck :cry:

 

[musketman]

I am wondering if it needs to kept in a deep freeze like a fur coat when not in use?

I seal mine in a large "blanket" plastic bag with a few moth balls for added measure...

Use my bear every Halloween, hang the candy bucket from it's teeth, kids have to reach in to get it...

'Corse the head platform is made to move via hidden strings and pulleys, but that's because I want the candy for myself... :crackup: