Proper tanning begins well before you get to the chemicals. No amount of tanning will be able to save the hide if you don’t prep it correctly. This guide will go over the basics of taxidermy hide preparation: fleshing animal skins, salting, and how to preserve a hide before it goes to the tannery.

Step 1: Skin the Animal Clean

You’re going to want to start with a clean skinning job; it makes everything that comes after easier. 

  • Use a sharp knife.

  • Avoid poking holes or slicing too deep into the hide.

  • If you’re planning on mounting the animal, take extra care around the face, ears, and feet.

  • Keep the hide as clean as possible. Try not to drag it through dirt, blood, or debris.

This is where you set yourself up for success, because a sloppy skinning job directly translates into more problems during tanning.

Step 2: Fleshing Animal Skins

Fleshing animal skins is the process of getting all the fat, meat, and membrane off of the hide. If you leave anything behind, it’ll rot.

  • Lay the hide flesh-side up on a beam or another sturdy surface.

  • Use a fleshing knife or draw knife, not a regular blade.

  • Work in long and steady strokes from the neck down.

  • Take your time. Nicks and tears will only get worse during tanning.

It is important not to leave anything behind. Even small scraps of fat can rot and cause hair to slip. If you’re going to master one part of the hide prep process, make it this one.

Step 3: Salting the Hide

Salting the hide is another imperative step in the taxidermy hide preparation process. Salt pulls moisture out of the hide and keeps bacteria from setting in. The hide will spoil quickly without it.

  • Use plain, non-iodized salt (iodine can stain or interfere with tanning).

  • Apply at least one pound per square foot of hide.

  • Rub salt into every fold and crevice, especially around the face, feet, and tail.

  • Lay the hide flat in a cool and dry area where it can drain.

  • Re-salt after 24 hours. Shake off the old salt and reapply a fresh layer.

  • Let it sit for another 24-48 hours.

You’ll know it’s ready when the hide feels firm and dry to the touch.

Step 4: Storing the Hide

The hide can be stored temporarily until it’s ready for tanning, once salted and firm. And how you store it matters. 

Dry storage:

  • You should hang the hide in a cool and shaded space with plenty of airflow

  • Do not place it in direct sunlight or damp conditions

Freezer storage:

  • Fold the hide flesh side to flesh side

  • Roll it up and place it in a sealed, heavy-duty plastic bag

  • Don’t refreeze after thawing. Make sure you’re ready to send it before pulling it out

Avoid:

  • Storing wet hides in sealed bags

  • Letting them sit in warm spaces

  • Folding with hair touching flesh

Final Tip: Don’t Wait Too Long

Hide preservation tips only go so far if the hide sits too long. Get it tanned or sent to the tannery within a reasonable time; a salted hide can sit for a few weeks, but that doesn’t mean you should push it. The sooner a hide gets to the tannery, the better the end result.

Every step in the taxidermy hide preparation process is important. When the hide isn’t skinned clean, fleshed properly, salted thoroughly, and stored the right way, you’re asking for trouble later. Hair slip, rot, and wasted time usually come down to bad prep. Take the extra time now so the hide holds up through tanning and mounting. 

And when you’re ready to tan your hide, contact us today to get it done right with one of our cost-effective hide tanning machines.