To what extentcould a vibrant fur industry (and to a lesser extent a meat-processing industry) solve the countrys possum plague?It seems an obvious enough question, but ask anyone from the Deparment of Conservation or the Animal Health Board and the response is likely to be an irritated sigh. Like the fibres of some other fur-bearing animals, such as polar bears and reindeer, possum fibres have a hollow shaft and therefore retains their warmth when wet or frozen. The problem of dealing with a cold carcassdifficult, if not impossible, to pluck by handhas been overcome by the advent of portable plucking machines. Established in 1969, Classic Sheepskins is New Zealand's longest established privately owned sheepskin tannery. New Zealand sheep skin rugs, natural pelt shaped - from Spring Lamb singles to huge 12-pelt floor rugs. The blades spinning action creates a suction that draws the fur into a catch net capable of holding the fibre of 30 possums. The shop carries all of our standard products, unique one-of-a-kind items, factory outlet only products and bespoke sheepskin rugs. Thanks for the links. In the worst case scenario, if it becomes more cost efficient, farmers could start factory-farming possums, states the group. They can fund their own demise., But where would that leave the industry, riding its new wave of fashion-fuelled demand? We make coats and jackets out of possum skins for New Zealand shops and tourist outlets, says Heather. Well let me lay out my process for you if that'll help. Arrived here in the UK very quickly and I am one very happy customer. ; Reduces the use of nasty chemicals in our environment Legally classified as pests, the brushtail possum is New Zealand's biggest ecological threat.It is only found in Australasia and was introduced to New Zealand in 1837 from Australia. In 1992, when New Zealand Geographic first covered the possum problem, the fur market was moribund. How to get a possum block, identify the best place to trap, find your way in the bush, use a map and compass, a gps, google earth.Set your traps, sharpen you. This experiment went pretty well for the possums, which were suddenly in a predator free environment. After the pelt soaks for a day or two, pull it out and wring out the pickle water as thoroughly as you can. White man build big fire stand way back. Large custom styles and sizes also available. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. WE WILL UPDATE THIS WEBSITE WHEN WE START ACCEPTING AGAIN BUT DO NOT HAVE A CURRENT TIMEFRAME. Possum fur's uniquely hollow fibre is light yet able to retain warmth . Paul Livingstone thinks that the spread is due to hunters shifting and releasing wild pigs whichunknown to themare infected with Tb. Steve Boot, another ex-trapper from the possum-fur heyday of the 1970s and 80s and now responsible for procuring fur for Snowy Peak, draws attention to the rapid growth of the fibre industry. Keep your feet comfy and warm with our sheepskin slipper range made in New Zealand to our exacting standards. Kiwi Sheepskin carefully select the very best from the two major New Zealand sheepskin tanning companies. We were doing lots of exotic furs, which are no longer acceptable. 30% red and 70% grey coat colour. Possums are not just a menace on account of what they eat. Throughout many years of experience this has evolved to all areas of animal skin tanning. I don't tan many fur skins but one thing I would stress is. in . what ever method you useget the Natural oils.. out of the hide. But on that note, do you leave the like, bone in for the nose or do you have to pull it out with like pliers?? Excellent all year due to properties of sheepskin that keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. The strips are then sewn together using a special machine which makes the seams invisible. Students learn the most efficient methods of trapping possums and harvesting the skins and fibre. Sheepskin gloves and mittens made from young lambskins for supreme softness. Levies raised $37 million in 2002, and the government gave the board a further $25 million to enable it to carry out possum control over an area of 4.2 million hectares, one fifth of it public conservation land. Sorry I didn't get back with you soonertoo many projects going Take my word for itgo to vandykes taxidermy supply or some other taxidermy supply and buy a kitthe kits are specially made to make the whole tanning process easier. 100% New Zealand Products. Contact: 03 477 8171 white dog with black eye patch names; southside legend strain certified If freezing isnt possible, cover the flesh side with salt and roll it up, flesh-side inwards. Possum densities in the areas under AHB and DoC control are estimated to have fallen from an average 48 possums per ha to 0.30.8 possums per ha. . He has, however, bought a load of export-grade skins himself in the hope that theyll be worth something in the not-so-distant future. Nevertheless, this would be a major and probably quite longterm undertakingand an expensive one. 100% New Zealand Made. Okay with me cause I no longer care.. People wanting me to tan furs for them just want a very nice quality skin, and they don't want to wait a year to get ittrust me when I write that I should be tanning.oh well always nice to vent, right???? Ecowool have been selling the finest quality sheepskin, woollen and natural products since 1987, and online since 2001. It has a thick bushy tail, a pointed face, large ears, and long claws for climbing trees. } Spain. . A possum skin cloak, sewn in a traditional way, but using skins from New Zealand possums. In Northland, despite the areas high unemployment, there simply arent enough trappers. They occur in high numbers and their own predators, such as feral cats, do not have much effect on controlling possum population size. That included Heather Kirk, Maxs business partner. Snowy peak, in Christchurch, knows all about that concept. Steve Boot thinks these issues could be resolved if the relevant agencies all sat down around the table to devise a system of satisfying everyones needs.Lets exploit the little critters to the max, he says. Take care not to cut holes in the skin. I cared enough to write about it. Their quality policy is "To supply top quality products and service for our customers". Possums might be one of the New Zealands most destructive pests, destroying native forests and feeding on native birds eggs, chicks and invertebrate, but their lusturous underwool is wonderfully soft and warm. It can automatically adjust the temperature, just like your second skin. Then have a close look at the skin to check it for quality. Basically Bush Ltd harvests, procures, processes and finishes all their possum fur skins to a high quality standard. Even with the special products folks can barely skin flesh and thin skins and stake them to get their furs softened nicely. Who: Max Wilson & Heather Kirk Its a good idea to double bag skins and pack newspaper, or something else, around the skin to keep it cold. Mooneys Furriers in Dunedin can turn a home-caught possum or rabbit skin into a gorgeous soft furnishing. While this is evidence of progress, not all the numbers are headed in the right direction. Any of you guys ever tried it or heard about it? axe thai massage 12 oz shower gel New | Health & Beauty, Bath & Body, Body Washes & Shower Gels | eBay! He found that he could weave this twine, much like a fishing net, to make garments. listeners: [], This includes; goat, deer, hare, possum, rabbit and wallaby. If purchasing 10 or more hides you will get a 10% discount. Every skin is stapled to a board to stretch and smooth it. The threat. Fashionable because the focus these days is on using ethical fur, which is the only kind of fur Max and Heather will touch. Our gloves are excellent for driving and the mittens ideal for snowy winters or just for walking to work in the cold. or 6 weekly interest-free payments from NZ$23.17 with, or 6 weekly interest-free payments from NZ$0.83 with, or 6 weekly interest-free payments from NZ$15.67 with, or 6 weekly interest-free payments from NZ$4.83 with, or 6 weekly interest-free payments from NZ$7.33 with, or 6 weekly interest-free payments from NZ$34.67 with, or 6 weekly interest-free payments from NZ$1.08 with, or 6 weekly interest-free payments from NZ$20.50 with, or 6 weekly interest-free payments from NZ$26.50 with, or 6 weekly interest-free payments from NZ$23.00 with, or 6 weekly interest-free payments from NZ$20.83 with, or 6 weekly interest-free payments from NZ$2.25 with, or 6 weekly interest-free payments from NZ$2.17 with, or 6 weekly interest-free payments from NZ$5.33 with, or 6 weekly interest-free payments from NZ$13.50 with, or 6 weekly interest-free payments from NZ$3.67 with, or 6 weekly interest-free payments from NZ$19.17 with, or 6 weekly interest-free payments from NZ$35.83 with, or 6 weekly interest-free payments from NZ$38.00 with, or 6 weekly interest-free payments from NZ$55.00 with, or 6 weekly interest-free payments from NZ$102.00 with, or 6 weekly interest-free payments from NZ$88.17 with. All transactions are converted to NZD currency. Bowron and Auskin baby care rugs provide a natural, warm and safe environment for babies. First off, I have to say that I'm not pushing people to buy modern chemicals to tan, so please quit quoting me in that context. Possums gained a permanent foothold here by 1858. Steve and his wife, Sue, run their company, Basically Bush, from the backblocks near Opotiki, in the Bay of Plenty. This is quicker than skinning but necessitates the use of traps rather than poisons, so that the animal is taken alive. By 2005, the area the AHB will have under its control will rise to 8.5 million ha (32 per cent of the country), including 2 million ha of public conservation land. The biggest evolution is our ability to tan and process Cow Hides. Over 50 years of tanning experience ensuring the highest quality. The leather is strong, and stitches well. A primitive skills and aboriginal technology message board for those interested in Stone Age, Bushcraft, Survival skills and Pal. Which, where i live, would be good because we get a lot of afternoon thunderstorms and such this time of year, especially hurricanes. Mi Woollies Premium Grade Possum Skins are the ultimateas astylish accessory. You dont want what we call windows, which are the bald bits. Throughout many years of experience this has evolved to all areas of animal skin tanning. } The AHBs goal is to reduce the prevalence of bovine Tb in New Zealand to 0.2 per cent by 2012/13at which level the country will be said to be disease-free. All rights reserved. Cookies are currently disabled in your browser. If you know anything more about egg tanning specifically I'd greatly appreciate it because I want to try my first tanning project on a raccoon and want to take the egg route. One might also ask,why not vaccinate at-riskcattle and deerwhichare tested for Tb at least every two years anyhow instead of possums? Cream Possum Fur Throw. New Zealand. Possum babies are born after a pregnancy of just 17-18 days.