Bear rug per foot cost?
General Topic
Contributors to this thread:
I am checking around and wondering around the country how much per foot are you guys seeing for a bear rug? North Central WI were @ $150-$200
Check out Rugs by Nancy . I haven't had one done in about 5 years but her price was very good and her work is amazing.
The taxidermist I use in North Central WI went from 1300 last year for a rug to 1500 cosed mouth to1700 open this year. Tan cost through them went 95 per LN foot to 125.
I was quoted $450 (total) by multiple guys this spring just to tan my bear and it wasn't even a 5'!
Been a few years but, $300/sqft. Was the last quote my dad was given for a finished rug.
You guys are scaring me. . . I have a whole giraffe, zebra and wildebeest on the way. No backing, but we want all 3 tanned and stretched.
I think a big reason for the increase is more and more tanneries are closing up, and the ones left are overwhelmed...and fleshing a bear hide is way more work than fleshing a deer hide. I've got all the bear rugs/mounts I'll ever need, but I still enjoy eating them, and the last few I've shot it's been like pulling hens teeth to find anyone that wants the hide (free).
We are getting $295 per ft
Hey Keith, which part of Mn you around?
I know a guys by you Screwball... Guys name is Jerry Phelps!!
The taxis I talked to just said there aren't many tannery's left and its a lot of work. Like SouthFarm said, you can't barely even give them away. I won't pay that kind of money to tan a bear hide.
Screwball, southern part of state, PM sent.
Why is the price per foot? Don’t all bears have four feet?
Some taxis measure to the tail while others measure to the heel. Make sure you know what's being quoted.
Does anyone know why tanneries are closing? EPA regulations? Chemical costs? Weak demand?
Decreased demand for leather goods.
Trapping and the fur industry has taken a beating in North America. Other countries are fur farming. Demand probably alot to do with it.
.
We in the U.S. would rather have oil products on our back than a natural renewable resource.
You guys should probably talk to tannery owners to discuss the reasons for tanneries closing. It's certainly not demand.
Of course their are more reasons.
.
Demand and ease of oil based products are primary.
Tanning is work and many who did it are getting old. Hard work and craftsmanship are not on a lot of younger folks agendas.
If I wasn't helping my turkey population I probably wouldn't trap because you can't get crap for skins right now.
Getting workers in the current market when you can get more flipping burgers.
Each individual Tannery that shut down has their own reasons as well.
Asking one or two would never give you the big picture.
What are your thoughts as to why?
gflight, very very well said and correct!
FWIW.....I recently paid $125 to get my muley hide tanned. I dropped it off with my taxi last year and paid that price. I plan on getting some more tanned and hope the price hasn't gone up this year. My taxi uses a tannery in the lower part of Michigan and drops off in bulk.
That’s a good one…….
“I hope the price has not gone up this year”
You’re probably fine ……yea right