Save a snapping turtle shell?

Question

Anyone know of a way to save a snapping turtle shell? We have tried in the past but the shell either falkes or turns really soft. (AND THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE JUST GOING TO WRITE HOW WRONG IT IS TO KILL A SNAPPER NEED NOT REPLY! STOCK YOUR POND WITH $1000.00 WORTH OF FISH AND SEE HOW YOU WOULD LIKE THE LIL' BUGGERS THEN!)

Answer 1

My Cajun uncles used to boil them for 7-10 minutes after a good cleaning, then painted them with clear laquer to seal them, after they were completely sun-dried.
I know, from painting custom choppers that there are several polyurethane clear coats that will work much better, as they will not deteriorate as laquers will.

Answer 2

There was a family in my town that caught snappers all the time and ate them. One of the best meats around from what I can remember.

They displayed all their shells on trees in their yard. Many were painted different colors and that may have preserved them somewhat.

I have used spray finish( varnish, or clear coat in satin sheen) to do one shell I had found. It lasted a number of years but the Tortoise type plates eventually came off anyhow. I would think whatever is used will have to be a penetrating sealant and possibly soaked in it after the shell is dried from cleaning.

Catching snappers is quite the challenge for anyone that has not tried it. I have seen people reach into dark. muddy water and pull them out by the tail. This is a risk to your fingers for sure and snappers generally aren't cute little pets. The meat is quite good, fried or made into soup.

Answer 3

in my experience it is very hard. look at a taxidermy site or ask one. i think you have to put a special sealer on it so it doesnt dry up