Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: Deerhunter21 on December 02, 2019, 09:13:14 am
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So, I was working last Saturday at my local hunting/fishing store and i saw one of my older friends that i hunt and fish with with a load of beaver traps in his bag. we talked to the side for a little bit and i asked what he was doing with the traps. He said that he was going to trap beavers off his land that were destroying his property. I asked what he was planning on doing with the beavers and he said he was just trying to get them off his land. then he said that he would give me the beavers if i was OK with it! i took up his offer and now i'm going to have some beavers to skin and (if their still pretty fresh) cook! I was wondering what you guys would do with beaver! i know that they can fetch a decent price depending on the quality and i am trying to save up for collage and stuff like that. he has a ton of them on his land so i bet i could keep and sell if i wanted. What would you make out of beaver hide. I know teeth can go on jewelry and tails can be for handles, sheaths and other cool stuff. I don't want to waste.
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I had beaver backstrap for the first time a few weeks ago, it was ridiculously good.
If you're looking to make money I'd probably tan them and make stuff out of them like gloves and sell them on a site like Etsy.
On a side note, you might want to check you states regs. Here in Alabama you don't have to buy a licence, unless it's commercial. IE Any money's made from it. You don't want to get either of you in trouble...
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Thats a good point. you might need a licence to sell here.
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Look up your state DNR it should be pretty easy to find out online.
Here in Ohio a fur taker permit is $15
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I dont think i need a permit because hes harvesting them as a nuisance and it says i don't need a trapping permit because i'm under 19
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You could do a lot of things with them, bomber style hats, quivers, hand warmers, mittens, and the tail makes a great bow handle. :OK
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Put me down for a brain tanned hide! Looking to make a couple of plains quivers this winter, maybe!! We can work a trade deal! Such a deal - got a customer lined up already!
Hawkdancer
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Deerhunter21, forget about getting rich, The fur market is in the tank except for silky western coyotes, Unless you are experienced with taking care of beaver pelts it is a ton of work if not setup. Beaver are all about work, It takes me about and hr. to skin , flesh and stretch 1 beaver and $10 bucks for the best and largest prime hides, going the other route is a better option, send them to get commercial tanned about $25 plus shipping each way. Then make things or sell tanned soft hides, Home tanned and brain tanning on beaver is a hard to do because of thickness of leather and hard to shave down, commercial tanned beaver are beautiful and durable as ever, Okay enough negativity and on to the positive side, Dried Beaver castors are worth as much as the hide and a lot less labor to remove and dry, Beaver also make excellent table fare I have made burger and have also had canned beaver but the back straps are good eats. Cauton do not get castors juice on your meat. Good Luck with your endeavor and no matter which way you decide to go you will learn a few things, and remember education aint cheap and also" Knowledge is the easiest tool to carry" Bob
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Yeah i didn't think i was going to get rich... But you never know!! Just kidding. i just was thinking a couple hats at a craft fair... couple of arrowhead necklaces. that sorta stuff. just having fun with it! i mean i would rather be tanning and skinning and sewing than sitting, playing my video games all day!
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smoked beaver is awesome.
way better than wood chuck.
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I agree with every word Outback typed. Everything about beaver is work. I don't want to discourage you by any means. Just keep you from being overwhelmed. I've tanned a couple and definitely one of the harder hides to tan and soften.
They are tasty though. And like already stated everything from the skull to the tail can be used in some way.
Bjrogg
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Bob, what tanners do you use? West of the Mississipi?
Kevin, taste is right up there with rabbit? Haven't had bunny for many years! Never had beaver!
Not hijacking the thread, Russell needs the info, too! >:D (lol)
Hawkdancer
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Hawk, Moyle mink and tannery in Idaho do an excellent job and I have always got my own furs back. Bob
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Outback have you ever had them tan the tails? I've never tried tanning them but one of my buddies tried without much success
Bjrogg
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BJ, I never heard of Moyle doing tails, I have asked around about tail tanning an everytime it seems secretive or change the subject or maybe just my perception. I did send Big Jims a lg.flat rate box of frozen tails when he first started with beavertail grips. They are hard to flesh without tearing, the actual leather is pretty thin. Bob
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Hmm, trying to think what to do :-\ . I want to send some to a tanner but i dont really have the (spending) money. Ill probably send 1 and see how it turns out. then ill decide.
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Russel,
Pm sent!
Hawkdancer
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It probably is cheaper to buy a already air dried streched hide and send it out to get tanned than to get all the stuff you need to catch, skin, scrape, stretch,tan and break a beaver hide. But what's the fun in that? Still not trying to talk you out of it. Just pretty much whatever you do will cost something. After the initial investment it helps to do more numbers of animals but you will still have additional cost.
Bjrogg
I would estimate I've spent about $160 in the past three years on tanning stuff. I do have some product left and I'm hoping not to have to purchase any this year.
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Yep, education aint cheap, and sometimes the learning curve can be kinda long, but it is good. ;D Bob
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Deerhunter 21,
I had Moyle tan some furs last season for me. I was very happy with the quality of their work.
Take care,
brian
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I would venture to say that most people that continue handling and tanning hides do it because they just are kinda weird and enjoy it. They love the fur and don't mind the less than glamorous job. They don't do it to make or even save money.
Bjrogg
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BJ, You're right, I guess one of the reasons that I like primitive stuff is that ya can't just order it from the big box store or Walmart no matter how much money ya have. That and no 2 items are identical, each Carry's the makers personal touch :-K (f) :BB Fur was always considered a luxury item and only the rich could afford it, My way of thinking is that any man who can catch, skin and put up fur and make something with it is far far the richer individual. He is rich in life by knowing and understanding the habits of said fur all the way to the final stitches that make it a luxury item or a very useable tool. I have often said that I am one of the richest men in Penna. I have family, friends, flint , fur, fire. I am totally blessed to be this rich. On the other hand hoping I got enough in checking account to cover the check for car insurance :o Bob
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I hear you Outback. I'm the same kinda rich. I totally understand Russell's delima. I never have any spending money either, but I feel so blessed in so many other ways.
Bjrogg
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Family, friends, flint, fur, fire. Now there's something that would make anybody rich!
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Appreciate what you have boys because it can be gone in an instant. Trust me, I know.
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Plus 2, JEB! 'Nough said. Long time passing.
Hawkdancer
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Nothin yet, 2 racoons (one he threw away, and one went to his partner), and one beaver that broke the snare but is dead somewhere out there.