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Snappers and Snakeskins

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johnston:
Have been catching snappers out of the pond mainly cause we have too many but also
cause I like 'em fried. I was never taught nor have I ever seen the proper way to clean
a turtle. My method is a lot like work and I seem to get different looking pieces out of
each one I do. Anybody know a "tried and true" method?

Also been killing snakes. Ma-in-law is 81 and lives alone 'cept for an ugly ass cat and
she saw a couple snakes in the garden and flower beds. So far I have killed 7 all copperheads.
Got them in the freezer and was wondering about the best way to skin and dry. It seems simple
but I can screw up most anything. How do you guys do it.
Thanks,

Lane

Pat B:
Lane, the first thing to do is cut the heads off and bury them deep. Even a dead snake or just its head can poison you if a fang pricks your skin.
  Cut down the belly from where the head was to the vent ald peel the skin off like a banana. When done use a tea spoon to scrape off the fat and excess tissue then tack(I use a staple gun) the skins to a board, flesh side out and place in direct sunlight. If it is hot and dry enough only a few hours are needed. If not give it a few days. Be sure to put the stretched skins where critters can't get to them. Once dry(you'll know) remove from the board, roll them up and place them in a baggie for storage.
  I've eaten snappers but I can't help you with the cleaning part!

JW_Halverson:
Definitely keep those dried skins up and away from the ugly ass cat and any dogs of various levels of pulchritude.  My old Scully once ate a 5' bullsnake skin and the gaseous emissions over the next two days were deadlier than the pointy end of any copperhead!!!     :o

gstoneberg:
Turtles are a bear to clean, been years since the last one.  I doubt I'm better than you as I think I recall trying a different approach each time.  Sorry I can't help.

George

criveraville:
Man you have a nice haul of copperheads.. Do as Pat said with the heads.

Cipriano

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