Page 1 of 4 123 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 32

Thread: First bear... Rug or no rug?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Posts
    108

    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.

  2. Site Sponsor

  3. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Posts
    2,559

    Re: First bear... Rug or no rug?

    I wouldnt do a small bear, Do a shoulder mount

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Langley & Magna Bay
    Posts
    6,737

    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!
    I like drinking beer and whiskey, shooting guns, jetboating, love a nice rack and a tight line, I am simply a sophisticated redneck...

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    williams lake
    Posts
    5,668

    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.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    BC
    Posts
    531

    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.

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Walnut Grove, Langley
    Posts
    14,191

    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.
    Take a kid hunting its more rewarding than shooting an animal yourself!!

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Posts
    4,594

    Re: First bear... Rug or no rug?

    Never bothered with a rug either. I find the skulls much more appealing.
    If you can pack it in, You can pack it out !!!

    UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL !!!


    BCWF
    WSSBC
    CCFR
    " The secret of change is to focus all your energy, not on fighting the old, but building on the new"
    Socrates.

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Nelson, BC
    Posts
    3,875

    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.
    I won't always be young, but I can be immature forever

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Pemberton BC
    Posts
    1,528

    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.
    Knowledgeable shooters agree- The 375 Ruger is the NEW KING of all 375 caliber cartridges. ALL HAIL THE NEW KING!

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    skeena river valley
    Posts
    2,014

    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.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •