Ear Cartilage

Bow Hunter

New member
Any thoughts on removing the cartilaginous (wow, that's a big word - think it means cartilage) tissue from the ears of hides, especially bobcat and coyote.


[*]Does it have to be completely removed?

[*]If it must be removed, how in the world is it done?

[*]Can it be done without destroying the skin inside the ear?

[/list]
Thanks Again,
Bow Hunter /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
Dont remove it completely. Cut off the exta from the base, then i use a scalpule or exacto knife to seperate the back of the ear (hide),from the cartlidge. Turn the ear inside out and leave the cartlidge attached to the front side of the ear(hide). Get as close to the edges as possible with out cutting through.
 
Thanks fella's,

From what I can tell from your posts and links, I am doing it correctly and as completely as can be done. I just wanted to be sure that I wasn't only doing it half way.

I appreciate the help.
Bow Hunter
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Many taxidermists will completely remove all cartilage, but not all of them. It can be done, though it's a tedious process. On smaller mammals, I usually leave it in. It's so thin, I don't feel it matters so much. For something like a competition mount, it should come out.
 
M.Magis & All,

Thanks for the advice. I haven't turned any big games ears yet but, I would expect them to possibly be a little easier due to cartilage being thicker than smaller game. True or False?

Any preference as to ear liners or bondo?

Take care,
Bow Hunter
 
as a general rule if you use bondo they stay in and if you use liners they come out. if the ears have splits or battle wounds i will use bondo as it can be forced out to the edge of the ear and take the shape of the ear. if the ears are in good shape i will use liners. also when it comes to liners there are good ones and not so good. if you look closly at the ear of a dog you will see that there is a second ear flap on them and this needs to be opened up also. you will see this on the good liners and not on the cheap ones. hope this is clearer than mud.
Sportinly
Cracker
 


Write your reply...
Back
Top