Where is the snakeskin and horn used for blanks sourced from?

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philb

philb

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Midlands, United Kingdom.
Hi,

Ive been interested in using some snakeskin blanks for a while, the rattlesnake ones.

But after asking a few customers if they would be interested in these, they seemed concerned with where the skin came form and whether it was sourced legally or cruelly?

Mainly they wanted a guarantee that the skin where not obtained for the purpose of skin sales, and that they had been killed or obtain through legitimate routes and for a valid reason!

I dont know if rattlers are pests in the USA and are culled when they are a danger? I just dont think customers liked the thought of a snake being killed for the sole purpose of making a pen! When it was quite happily going about his business!

Any info would be great! As they expressed the same thoughts with antler and buffalo horn!

Cheers PHIL
 
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I don't know about the snakes but everywhere I have seen buffalo horn, antler, etc. says something to the effect there was do harm done: "Indian River Buffalo Horn is sourced from managed domesticated herds, maintained by the Indian Department of Husbandry and Dairying. This material was obtained post harvest and none of the animals were killed simply for their horns." this from Pebb State Industries.

Now I think when you take the skin from a snake, it is.. well dead. Once in this state it is a good snake! Sorry, just kidding..
 
Domestic Asian Water Buffalo Horn is sourced mostly out of India, where the meat is one of their major exports.

Deer antlers (various species) can be from either sheds (occur annually) or from hunting.

Rattlesnakes are a popular food in some southeastern and southwestern American cuisines and are sometimes sold in speciality meat shops.

Let your clientelle know that these materials are no different than leather goods. All of the animal is used for something.
 
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Well around my house we don't have any rattlers but we do have an occasional black or king snake. They are not killed for their skins but rather simply because they are snakes. I know the argument that they are great for getting rid of mice and some folks keep them as cute little pets. But until I see one plating up mouse alfredo or fetching a stick they are on the most wanted list here.

That said, I suspect that many of the skin blanks that are being turned come from snake round ups like those in Texas and other western states. Where not only are they pests but very dangerous to humans and livestock.

Though a snake does shed it's skin these would not be able to be used. The skins you find on pen blanks come from expired snakes. I have never heard of anyone following around a snake waiting for it to succumb to a myocardial infarction or an unfortunate accidental death. So I suspect they are harvested for both the skin and the meat (kinda chewy but tasty if fried).

That said, I doubt that anyone is raising rattle snakes with the sole intention of making ink pens.

Larry
 
Cheers guys!

I suspected that most skins were sourced from problem snakes, pests or potential harmful ones to livestock/humans!
But its always nice to know when a customer asks!

Cheers
 
phil, when i went to the states in the 70s, my friend lives in the countryside and they are the uk equivalent of rats. but more dangerous. do what i do tell them. the snakes are from controled culls. at the end of the day i couldnt give a sh** as long as i make a sale.:devil::devil::devil::biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:
 
I know a few folks who make large numbers of rattlesnake blanks for distribution through the major distributors. These rattlers are bred for their meat, just like cattle, and the skins are sold off just as cowhide is. FYI, another product from these snake ranches is venom which is sold to pharmaceutical companies for producing antivenom and other useful compounds.
 
DCBluesman said:
I know a few folks who make large numbers of rattlesnake blanks for distribution through the major distributors. These rattlers are bred for their meat, just like cattle, and the skins are sold off just as cowhide is. FYI, another product from these snake ranches is venom which is sold to pharmaceutical companies for producing antivenom and other useful compounds.
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Thanks, just what I was looking for!
 
I don't make no pens for "tree-huggers" and "animal rights idiots". Too damn many people worrying about Spotted Owls and Snail Darters. Look at the Endangered Species List. It has so many animals on it you could step on an endangered spider and go to jail. Nearly all the endangered species are not endangered because of being killed or collected but habitat destruction. Woods being cut down for housing, pastures, mining, farming and such give some animals no place to live so they disappear....forever! It is natures way of saying, this animal was not successful in adapting so it gets chalked up as a failure and something evolves in it's place. But these fanatics are not gonna save anything. Tell them to go get a BIC!
 
OldWrangler said:
I don't make no pens for "tree-huggers" and "animal rights idiots". Too damn many people worrying about Spotted Owls and Snail Darters. Look at the Endangered Species List. It has so many animals on it you could step on an endangered spider and go to jail. Nearly all the endangered species are not endangered because of being killed or collected but habitat destruction. Woods being cut down for housing, pastures, mining, farming and such give some animals no place to live so they disappear....forever! It is natures way of saying, this animal was not successful in adapting so it gets chalked up as a failure and something evolves in it's place. But these fanatics are not gonna save anything. Tell them to go get a BIC!
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HEAR!! HEAR!!
 
Well, you research your local laws. I have a fishing liscence, and that allows me the rights to salvage a few snakes right here around the house...most of the snakes are protected, but there are a couple that are legal. I'm not a tree hugger, I just grab them and chop off the head. I consider that a quick death. An inexpensive tanning kit, and you're good to go!
 
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