They are tough

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Originally Posted by Sharon

Do you ever watch that "Mountain Men" show of which a good part is about how to tan?

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I don't think I seen it, I tried googling it up but no luck..... Not sure how he does it, I suspect brain tan? I do mine like this....

Known as an alum tan.....After it is all fleshed out and washed, you take about 2.5lbs of salt, 1/2lb alum (found at bulk barn) mixed with 3 gallons of water.....let it sit in it (plastic 5 gallon pail) for about a week, stirring it up occasionally.... Take it out, wash again, then hang to dry..... As it is drying, (this is the hard part) you need to work the hide, pulling it in all directions. The more you work it the softer it will become..... If you don't work it, the leather portion does not get soft, it will stiffen up on you.... but the fur side does get soft making it a great man-cave display.... Oh the final wash should have some downy fabric softener in it so it makes it smell really nice :)

Do you flesh it with a knife or some tool?


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Originally Posted by Ashes1

Do you flesh it with a knife or some tool?


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A fleshing tool/knife..... Not the easiest thing to do though, definitely have made a mess of a few over the years, even with all the ones I have done, I still manage to put holes in them when I am not careful.... If you plan on doing one, you will need to be very careful, if you can practice on a raccoon or another non-trophy critter first, it would help...

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Originally Posted by fratri

I don't think I seen it, I tried googling it up but no luck..... Not sure how he does it, I suspect brain tan? I do mine like this....

Known as an alum tan.....After it is all fleshed out and washed, you take about 2.5lbs of salt, 1/2lb alum (found at bulk barn) mixed with 3 gallons of water.....let it sit in it (plastic 5 gallon pail) for about a week, stirring it up occasionally.... Take it out, wash again, then hang to dry..... As it is drying, (this is the hard part) you need to work the hide, pulling it in all directions. The more you work it the softer it will become..... If you don't work it, the leather portion does not get soft, it will stiffen up on you.... but the fur side does get soft making it a great man-cave display.... Oh the final wash should have some downy fabric softener in it so it makes it smell really nice :)

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Don’t forget to smoke it after it’s all tanned and stretched or you’ll be back to square one again.


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I haven’t shot a coyote yet but when I do I wanted to keep its fur. I just didn’t realize how much work was involved after skinning it


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Originally Posted by Goosesniper

Don’t forget to smoke it after it’s all tanned and stretched or you’ll be back to square one again.


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I have never smoked them and so far (maybe 8-9 years since I did my first one) and they are still holding up quite well. :)
I did read something about smoking them to make them waterproof? but never felt the need.
Merry Christmas

Thaaata boy frankie!

My husband received 2 coyote skulls for his Christmas present. He loved them - also big into taxidermy. Thanks to Frank for his excellent work. :)

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Originally Posted by Sharon

My husband received 2 coyote skulls for his Christmas present. He loved them - also big into taxidermy. Thanks to Frank for his excellent work. :)

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Glad he likes them....send a pic of their final resting place :)