Need some advice from the veteran trappers

[35wailin]

I have two deer hides that I plan to try home tanning in the spring. My research indicates that if I can flesh, salt and dry them, I should be OK to tan when the weather warms if I keep them dry.

Now I need some advice on fleshing the hides. Does any one have any tips and tricks?

Also, has anyone home tanned deer hides with the hair on? I would like to give one hide back to my hunting partner as a trophy from his first deer. The one I shot, I don't have any real plans for it yet. Basically just want to do it for the sake of doing it.

[dutchhunter]

you have to scrape all the meat and fat from the hide .it is a lot of work and you must take your time .if you can get your hands on a draw knife thy will work to scrape .I would not salt the hide I would scrape it clean then fold it up and freeze it if you dry it you will have to soak it before you can tan it anyway .call DAVIES Enterpise 519 849 3275 Watford Ontario .and order a bottle of DEER HUNTERS &TRAPPERS HIDE TANNING FORMULA . comes pre mixed and ready to go and you will have a indian style tan in 5 to 7 days .good luck ,Dutch

[Goosesniper]

There are different methods. Some people stretch the hide in a frame and use a one handed scraper. Others drape it over a smooth log and use a two handed flesher. I prefer the latter. Look at utube videos. If you want hair on and using salt. Use alum as well. In water and it will set the hair. To make hair removal easier for the other one you can use a pound of hydrated lime and soak the hide in it with water. Start pulling the hair and your will see it will start pulling it out. Take it out after a while, say 10 minutes. Then scrape the hair off. Rinse the hide in water. Wring it out. Now you need to neutralize the lime. Vinegar in water and soak the hide for about 10. Stiring frequently. Now you can wring it in a circle and get out as most water as you can. Now it's ready to take your tanning solution and rub into your hide. You can use brains, egg whites and mayonse, neats foot oil or the solution you buy. Then you work the hide. Until it's dry and soft. You can use a pumice stone on the flesh side to soften it further.

[greatwhite]

There should be a thread on here written in good detail on how to tan hides yourself. One of the members did a very good thread. Also some one did a good thread on how to properly skin a yote. I think I have a copy of the yote skinning on file at home.