CAT bellies...

[lynxcat]

Pic of some NICE one's...

[trappnman]

don't know much about cats but man are those pretty.

Were they all from one area? They almost look like peas in a pod.

For all you cat men- how about a little series of pics on showing the proper way to skin a cat?

I know you cut on the color line of the white- but those front legs on your cats- how would you do them?

[lynxcat]

Skinned LONG and folded up to the head to EXTEND the impression of WHITE!!! This one's for the "old fart" from Nevada... ;D

[mostinterestingmanintheworld]

I don't cut on the color line, I cut slightly into the white.

It gives you more length on the other side, where an inch can mean a major price difference, plus it kind of frames the back with a touch of light color which say "pale".

Most of us tube the front legs and spread them with 1/2 of a plastic coat hanger or a mink board or such.

When you turn them place the leg where it points up and showcases the white underside.

You only get a couple of seconds to make your money when the buyer shakes and flips, the most white with black spots he sees the better.

Joel

[trappnman]

so you cut of the front feet, and then pull off the leg fur aka a mink rather than a canine?

Joel- so you are making the belly smaller, to a degree?

[tweedledumb]

Nice cats Lynx. I’m curious how you think those bellies will grade. Last year we only had one “A” belly out of 12 cats.


From what I’m reading I screwed this one up. The front legs are skinned to the wrist but I left them inside.

[orcatdog]

Nice ones Brent, hope things are starting to look up.

[robertw]

Lynx,
Those are nice bobcats.

My collection this year is definitely off on quality. I just don't have the bellys like last year, lots of ugly bobcats.

[JWarren]

I'm no expert but I left about 2" legs tucked inside like a coyote on a nice tom and got top lot at nafa so I don't think it's that critical what you do with the legs

[trappincoyotes39]

A neat picture!

[lynxcat]

jwarren said:

I'm no expert but I left about 2" legs tucked inside like a coyote on a nice tom and got top lot at nafa so I don't think it's that critical what you do with the legs

You can get "top lot" NOT because you have the BEST cat..but because it's group'd with the BEST cats..

[trappincoyotes39]

I cut on the brown/ white on the front legs too and that will leave the spots solid on the front legs as well. I guess looks more showy, front leg fur has little to do with it just as others, unless your looking to move in the taxidermy market.

[JWarren]

lynxcat said:

[

You can get "top lot" NOT because you have the BEST cat..but because it's group'd with the BEST cats..[/quote]


I doubt your going to get it if they think your put up is way off

[lynxcat]

Did I say WAY OFF... NOPE...(KINDA HARD to down play a good WIDE spotted WHITE belly no matter WHAT the put up) the legs are MINIMAL... HOWEVER the PREFERED method is OUT..NOT in... used to do them in as well..was easier and gave a "clean" look... THEN I asked 4 different buyers..and ALL said legs out. Live and learn.. did them in for a LONG time. Ask the Nv guys..since MOST of the top cats come from there...
lynx

[thorsmightyhammer]

If you have poorer cats like us and ship to nafa you had better not cut the front legs too short.

If you do there is a good chance they will grade slight damage.

We dont have much of a belly and those spots on the legs are worth as much as half the cat.

Cut the leg off right behind the dew claw. Leave em long. They tell me at NAFA if you leave the legs in they have to guess if there is enough there. Probably doesnt matter on a good cat but a commercial one like ours it does.

Steve, I dont get cats with much of a belly so I cut on the color line.

But I understand what Joel is doing. If you leave some white on the legs and then pin them almost together when they dry it gives the illusion that the belly is longer than what it is.

You know what they say about presentation.

I'll post a picture of mine when I get a chance and maybe Joel can post a picture of his finished product.

[JWarren]

Do whatever method you want, just saying for the guy above that I wouldn't worry a whole lot about not having legs exactly like the next guys particularly if you already put it up

[trappincoyotes39]

Your not going to trim much or make much of a garment from the front leg fur of any bobcat!

[lynxcat]

HMMMMM.... wasnt aware we had someone from the "fur/garment" industry here... PLEASE do divulge your info please....

[mountainman]

Lynx, They look great. Its not hard to see why they like western cats so much. I'd certainly appreciate tips on how to maximize the value of my cat furs. I've been leaving the front legs long and in front of the chest, spread with coat hangers or card board. When it pays to leave the feet on I skin them too. That added an extra $5 at times and helped on gas.

[trappincoyotes39]

I'm not a garment maker, I'm not a rocket scientist either, but tell me what is the major componant of front leg fur from any critter used for? Your telling me they sew all them fnot leg spots together to trim a jacket hood? Or make a garment from? I would think the labor involved would outweight any cost gain?
Sure it looks better, but kinda like tails, you see them sell for key chains for 3.00-6.00 ea. If anything it gets more use and abuse than the belly fur.
Tell me what the docking procedure is for missing front leg fur from your buyer?