Zambezi Nile Croc Hunt - Tannery Recommendations (Hunt & Skin Photos)

[midwest-eagle]

I need recommendations for a tannery for my Nile Croc taken this summer with Charlton McCallum on the Zambezi River out of Nyakasanga. My PH was David Mann with PH Keith Wall assisting on the hunt. The full skin is back (photo below). I would like to keep as much as possible the natural color—but I believe that is impossible. There are some photos below of the croc and the actual position we took the shot from on the bank downwards.

 

[buck wild]

I used Quality Fur Dressing in Houston for a 16' Tanz croc for a client. It is supposed to be ready mid March. The skull was wet tanned and the rest dry tanned. Wet tan will hold more color but shrinks quite a bit and will be very stiff once dry. The dry tan will hold up better, but will lose most color.

 

[Oil & Dirt]

I used American Tannery near Orlando for an alligator. I ended up making boots/wallet leather goods. I don’t think they had a “natural” color but what I did learn is that if you’re interested in leather goods they are the tannery that all the boot makers recommend, but if you’re doing a flat skin that probably has no bearing

 

[PARA45]

This is what I would like to do when the day comes, and I can hunt a crock. These alligators were taken in South Florida, and were done in FL, but unfortunately, I cannot remember by who. I would probably go with a floor mount, vs. wall, as they can be easily moved around. Unfortunately, I do not have the wall space for one.

 

[MarkB]

I say contact @gizmo, he is a wealth of information and has had experience with croc and gator.

No personal experience as my croc was tanned in SA for 1/4 the Canadian cost. Not many crocs/alligators up here so local shops have little experience.

MB

 

[gizmo]

What are you looking to do with it? It isn't the same tan for everything. A leather tan is different from a wet tan or a dry tan for rugging/taxidermy purposes.