Fleshing:
To get bugs out spray with bug killer in plastic bag and let sit closed for about 10 minutes.
Remove as much flesh and fat from skin as possible without damaging skin.
If skin has been dried hard rinse and soak in cool water until wet clear through (probably a full day). Add some Lysol (cap or two full) from brown bottle to stop bacteria. Bacteria make the fur come out -- experience.
Salt Curing:
Stops bacteria and makes fleshing easier, and helps set the hair.
Rub fine grain salt into skin well and liberally all over.
Fold skin and lay on incline over night to one day to drain and cure. Two days at most.
Washing:
Check for and remove any remaining flesh.
Hide must be washed and completely rehydrated prior to tanning.
Plunge and wash in cold water until water remains clear.
Wash in warm water (75 to 85, but less that 95 deg.). You may use commercial Blood Release, Degreaser, and 1/2 oz. detergent. I have had good results with getting the grease out by using a little Dawn Dish Soap. Repeat until clean.
After clean rinse well in cool water and check for and remove blood stains and make sure that no degreaser or soap remains.
Tanning chemicals will set blood stains into the fur.
(Very greasy hides may need a wash and soak in degreaser for about an hour.)
Pickling:
Need a pH of 2 or lower. Salt is used to prevent overswelling which would slow or prevent chemicals from entering. A little too much is better than too little. I usually add enough so that a small amount of the salt remains on the bottom and does not dissolve. Should be 40 to 45% on salinity meter. 60 to 75 deg. is a good temperature for pickling and tanning. Use non-iodized salt. Make enough to completely submerge the skins.
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