First bear... Rug or no rug?
I got my first big game animal this spring which was a black bear and it's not a big boar or anything, just an average bear. Before the hunt I was dead set on doing a rug so I salted and froze the hide. Now that I'm thinking about it, I'm wondering if I should just keep the skull and wait for an older boar. I really only plan on doing 1 rug since they aren't cheap. How many of you guys got your first black bear turned into a rug and do you wish you would of waited for an older one? Thanks in advance.
Re: First bear... Rug or no rug?
I wouldnt do a small bear, Do a shoulder mount
Re: First bear... Rug or no rug?
Congrats, I did a bear 20 years ago and sits in my attic space since then, wife likes hunting but the look of that in a residential house, not a chance. Anyone wants a pro done rug, it will be cheap!
Re: First bear... Rug or no rug?
I've never regretted not getting one done...
Can always have it tanned and then rug or mount it later.
Re: First bear... Rug or no rug?
Gotta get your first one rugged. I got my first done and it wasn’t anything close to a biggie. They look a little bigger when the taxidermist sews on the felt on the back of it.
Re: First bear... Rug or no rug?
If the hide is that good just tan the hide as suggested. Save your money till the right one comes along. Budget for $100/ft for tanning.
Re: First bear... Rug or no rug?
Never bothered with a rug either. I find the skulls much more appealing.
Re: First bear... Rug or no rug?
I don’t think you should freeze a hide if you’ve salted it. I’d wait for a bigger one.
Re: First bear... Rug or no rug?
I've had several bear hides tanned/rugged. Bear rugs are pretty impractical so I sort of regret them all. One is used in the dog bed. :)
But if you are going to get one and only one done to hang on your wall or something, then wait for the perfect one. A big bear with perfect fur.
Re: First bear... Rug or no rug?
If the hide is nice, just get it tanned and drape it over a couch or chair.
Wait for a big one for a rug.