What do do with snake skin?

[SouthernThunder]

While cutting wood today I disturbed a copperhead. He was back behind me ratteling his tail in the leaves for a good 5 minutes before I noticed him. (I thought my chainsaw was making the noise!) Anyway, I was a little quicker on the draw than he and I now have a headless copperhead and one fewer 357 mag shell. In memory of this poor snake I would like to make a hat band but have never done a snake hide before. Any pointers?

[seedspreader]

Originally Posted by SouthernThunder

While cutting wood today I disturbed a copperhead. He was back behind me ratteling his tail in the leaves for a good 5 minutes before I noticed him. (I thought my chainsaw was making the noise!) Anyway, I was a little quicker on the draw than he and I now have a headless copperhead and one fewer 357 mag shell. In memory of this poor snake I would like to make a hat band but have never done a snake hide before. Any pointers?

I never knew that copperhead rattled like that. You learn something new everyday! Never done it myself, but here is a good page for tanning a snakeskin.

[cowgirlone]

If you don't have time to get to it yet, sprinkle the skin side with some salt and fold it up (skin side together). Put it in a baggie and store it in the freezer til you have time to work with it.
Also, Tandy leather company has a great product for tanning snake skins. I've made several hat bands and belts for my DH, but it's been awhile!

[suzyhomemaker09]

boyers also back longbows with snakeskin for a nifty looking bow.

[SouthernThunder]

Originally Posted by ZealYouthGuy

I never knew that copperhead rattled like that. You learn something new everyday! Never done it myself, but here is a good page for tanning a snakeskin.

Yep. Racers will rattle at you too if you make em nervous. Course they don't sound anything like a real rattler but they know how the system works.

I'm going to follow the directions on the site you gave me. It says to use antifreeze. Never would have thought of that! :haha: