Where to find snake skins?

[upstatenybowyer]

I've seen so many beautiful bows here with snake skins. I'd love to try them, but they're just too expensive. Other than 3 Rivers and ebay, does anyone know of a source with good prices? I realize this is a long shot.

Thanks

[Cloudfeather]

I would check facebook pages centered around bow building, primitive archery, trad archery, etc. You're usually looking at about a dollar an inch for quality skins. Unless you get lucky and have people who can find you road kill or other sources, it's usually a pricey endeavor.

[upstatenybowyer]

Sounds about right. Thanks

[wizardgoat]

I've always gotten mine in trade from the good people on PA.
Make an offering on the trading post

[upstatenybowyer]

Just did. I've got a bunch of bows in the basement my wife wants me to do something with.  Thanks WG

[mikekeswick]

On a snake
I've been to my local reptile/snake petshop and asked them if any snakes ever die before being sold to give me a call.....I got some very funny looks.....

[Limbit]

I get mine off the road. I live right by an old graveyard and drive through it daily. At the right time of year, I can score Oriental Rat Snakes, Cobras and banded kraits nearly one a week. A lot of time the skin will have a minor tear where everything came out, but besides that, they work and look good, just have trouble preserving them in the climate where I live. The neighbours eat the meat in rice wine soup after I skin it. Never gotten used to that, but they love it. 

[upstatenybowyer]

Mike, that's hilarious. It's worth a try though!

Limbit, I'll be keeping my eyes on the road. Probably won't find any cobra's here in NY 

[DC]

I'll bet there's a cobra loose somewhere in New York

[upstatenybowyer]

Probably in some dark alley in NYC.