Find all the answers here for our most frequently asked questions. Still can't find the answer you want?
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FAQ
Do you accept frozen skins?
Yes, the majority of skins receive are frozen. We also accept fresh and salted skins. Frozen skins will need to be defrosted before inspection so you may be called the next day if there are any issues. Please don't send us frozen skins on Fridays as we do not work on weekends and the skins need time to defrost before they can start the process.
Do you sell tanned products?
Yes! We are glad you asked. We have a retail shop and retail website with some on New Zealand's highest quality tanned products. These include slippers, rugs, + much, much more. Click here to check out the website!
What is the maximum wool length?
The maximum wool length for a sheepskin is 75mm; anything over this will knot up in our machinery and extra charges may apply. Most other animals don’t have any wool/fur/hair length restrictions.
How long does the process take?
The tanning process takes around 14-20 weeks but please see our home page for current lead times. We tan in batches as it is more cost effective and environmentally friendly. This means once we receive your skin it may not begin the process for 3-6 weeks while batch numbers fill up. We apologies about the wait but good things take time.
How does the process of getting a skin tanned work?
Once skins are received they are graded. If acceptable for tanning they will enter the process with the next available batch. Our tanning process will completely cure and tan your skin, then our finishing machinery enhances the quality further – most other tanners don't have these capabilities and we don't charge extra for it.
How much does it cost?
Click here for the price list of all animals. If your skin is extremely exotic and not on the list contact us for a quote.
How do I pay for getting a skin(s) tanned?
Once your skin has finished the tanning process we will send you and invoice, after payment is received we will send the finished skin to you. If you are local you can pop into our shop, pay and collect your skin.
Do you buy skins?
No we don't. Due to the unpredictable quality of skins we do not purchase any skins.
What happens if my skin is damaged during the process?
Skins may become damaged due to factors out of our control. If so we will discount your skin accordingly. If the damage is due to poor preparation there is nothing we can do about this.
Do you courier skins once they are finished?
We sure do! We accept skins by courier/freight, and will send them back to you. Check with your local courier/freight company regarding the sending of skins. When we return skins they are much lighter so therefore much cheaper.
What’s the best time to slaughter an animal for tanning?
Most animals are fine for tanning all year round. Deer need a bit more care. Sika Deer change their coats fully from winter to summer so are great for tanning all year round. Red Deer moult their coats going into summer resulting in a lot of hair slip. We suggest only tanning Red Deer which were killed in winter months.
Do you sell tanning packs?
No we do not. We are not licensed to sell on any chemicals or products related to tanning.
Helping to preserve skins when hunting.
If you wish to tan a hunted skin but can’t get it frozen or salted immediately, here are a few tips to help preserve it.
Get the skin cool as quickly as possible. If you are near water use it to cool the skin, river water is great for this. This also helps remove any blood and dirt. Alternately hang the skin in a cool ventilated place until it’s at air temperature. Once the skin is cool and excess water has been drained off, then fold the pelt skin to skin and roll up so no skin is exposed. Use rope/string to tie the skin and keep in a cool place until it can be frozen or salted. When transporting skins it’s better to do this on the back of a truck/ute than in a hot car boot. Also avoid allowing skins to sweat in plastic bags.