Could anyone tell me the process of preparing some fur to be shipped somewhere to get tanned. I have been shipping my fur to nafa for quite a while so I flesh and stretch according to their guidelines. I have decided to try and send in a coyote fox mink otter and marten to get tanned this year since the prices haven't been very good and am wondering do I put up the fur in the same manner that I would for nafa or do I need to do something different? I was thinking about shipping it to moyles to get tanned but would also appreciate any suggestions on a place to get it tanned as well.

You can stretch and dry, just like you would for NAFA. On coyote, fox, marten - leave them fur in. No need to turn them.

My advice would be to call the place your going to send them to to get tanned. They will tell you all you need to know about fur prep and how to ship them.

Do what Wissmiss said.They will be fine and not turning will save you and the tannery a little work.

There's more to It then just not turning a pelt Boco.

It's got to do with bending folding and shipping.

If you got heart problems you go to a cardiologist not a plumber. LOL

Don't rip the ear cartilage out like the Auctions want on your Coyote/fox. Skin the ear down at least halfway and the ears won't slip at the tannery. This only applies to pelts used as wall hangers. For wall hangers some people prefer feet on.

For shipping you will probably have to fold coyotes,fox, and possibly otter. Just do it carefully.

That's why you call the tannery.

I like to take off the front legs for a wall hanger. In about 100% of the time the front legs aren't visible anyway.

I don't think I have ever called a tannery, but stuff still gets tanned. You might get somebody that is clueless.

I have to agree with Dirt on this. When you call a tannery, 99% of the time you will get a person in the office who's job it is o answer the phone and do paperwork. He/she probably knows nothing about pelt prep for tanning.

Most tanneries have a web site which includes a page or two about handling and shipping pelts. That should answer all your questions.

Unless you are tanning for taxidermy or have some very special requirements, there is nothing special that needs to be done to the pelt.

As far as shipping goes - rolling or gently folding the pelt is fine. The important thing is to NOT crease the leather to the point where it leaves a mark. Pelts like beaver, otter, Raccoon and coyote are fairly tough. You can be reasonably tough on them when packing and it should affect the finished product.

I'll now "relinquish the floor" to Beav, so that he can tell me how wrong I am.

What ever I would still call the tannery. I have had good results talking to those In the know.

Thanks to everyone who has replied. I looked on a few of the tannery websites and in the archives on here but was unable to find much of an answer. I figured asking on here would be a good way to find out. I thought about calling the place I plan to ship the fur to as well and still might, but I wasn't exactly sure where that would be yet and also wondered about getting someone that was clueless. I plan on not leaving the feet on and figured I would have to fold the coyote and was hoping to not fold the otter because they seem pretty stiff. I usually just fold the tail inside the the pelt on the otter but the nafa bag is big. Thanks again to those who replied. Hopefully I can get them folded without damaging anything.

I do not fold my pelts when sending to tannery

UHaul sells a box for shipping golfbags it works great for shipping pelts to tannery

Or use a sona tube cut to length

Also for display, leaving the feet on does look much better. Worth the extra effort especially if you only doing it for yourself

If you don't skinning the feet often, it is a slow process. But if you do it a lot it's not too bad and you can sell for more with the feet on


I see your in the UP. So Great Northern Fur in Spooner, Wisconsin would be a good choice

I agree with Beav. I sent several to FoxUSA last fall after calling and getting good direction. Mine were green/ frozen. They did a great job! They make a real nice hooped beaver for you as well if you want.