A friend has a jar full of snake skins, mostly timber rattlers, that have been stored in denatured alcahol for some time.  They were merely skinned and fleshed before being placed in the jar.  Can these be dried and used for bow backing?  Any help is appreciated.

i would say yes

I think the alcohol would just evaporate, so they should be fine.

Yes, I have used skins stored the same way, and they worked out perfectly. Actually alcohol is great for the skins because it degreases and helps the scales come off gently.

Little tree.  Couple of questions. I've got two skins from New Mexico last year. Fleshed them out good but they still have a slight odor.  Can I soak them in denatured alchohol?  Will this help with the odor? I would like to use them on arrows. I assume the scales should come off and will the skins be stiff after drying or still flexable?  Hope you or someone else can help,
Jon

AWESOME!  I was hoping this would be the verdict.  I have an old Bear that would look real nice skinned in timber rattler.  Hopefully have pics to follow.

I believe that the denatured alcohol used to be used in pickling the hides for taxidermy purposes and shouldn't bother anything.  Jon, I am not sure if it will take smell away, but it couldn't hurt to try. For taking scales off, I have had good luck with a large pencil eraser.  While the skin is still stretched out, I rub them off with the eraser.  Works slick (and I am sure this is no secret and I am repeating someone in the past... I am more or less new here).