snapping turtles

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sugarfuzz12
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2008/03/10 14:43:34 (permalink)

snapping turtles

i been catching turtles for a couple years now but i can't figure out a way to get the shells cleaned so i can hang them up. i tryed letting them sit outside for the bugs to eat but the shells peeled, and tryed boiling them and they fell apart. don't know if just left them to long? Any sugestions?
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    pghmarty
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    RE: snapping turtles 2008/03/10 14:49:59 (permalink)
    http://mdc.mo.gov/conmag/1996/06/50.html

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNlAdhpxCIw&feature=related
    post edited by pghmarty - 2008/03/10 14:51:35
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    2dog
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    RE: snapping turtles 2008/03/10 19:58:55 (permalink)
    These might help.
    http://www.taxidermy.net/forums/ReptileArticles/02/02A1AECFC1.html
    http://www.taxidermy.net/forums/ReptileArticles/06/067B4A029C.html
    http://www.taxidermy.net/forums/ReptileArticles/06/0675033A17.html
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    mr.crappie
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    RE: snapping turtles 2008/03/10 23:00:39 (permalink)
    When I use to still handfish for snappers & wanted to keep the shells,I would cut off the top, then cut the ribs off of the underside of the top shell with side cutters.Then scrape off as much tissue as possible,then I would salt the underside & let sit for a day or two, then scrape off as much as I could then repeat.  The tissue will dry & peel off . I guess that borax will work, but never used it.Scrub the top of the shell to get off the dirt & moss,then I used clear shellac on both sides.That will stop the shell from peeling. Some guys scald the turtle before cleaning it to help make it easier to take the skin off & to kill any leeches that may be on it. This will cause the outer covering to peel off, but if you dont leave it in the water too long the shell won't come apart.I have finished them both ways.   sam
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    FLATFISH4F
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    RE: snapping turtles 2008/03/10 23:29:09 (permalink)
    My dad caught many of turtles in his day, he would get the shell go in the woods. Then he would find a nice size ant hole kick the mound to open it up and set the shell beside it. he would come back in a couple of weeks and it was clean with all the meat taken off of it
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    mgp629
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    RE: snapping turtles 2008/03/13 19:44:18 (permalink)
    The ant hill method is good.
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    porter64
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    RE: snapping turtles 2008/03/13 21:12:50 (permalink)
    Good idea! But what about coons and opossums?

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    sugarfuzz12
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    RE: snapping turtles 2008/03/15 15:04:05 (permalink)
    when i did that the outside of the shells peeled off is that because i left them out to long or it was directly in the sun?
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