Have a cape that I dont want anything to happen to.(deer) Can I apply salt to the cape as I flesh it? Or will this cause me problems. Just thought I would get the salt on it A.S.A.P! Thanks for your advice. Chuck B.
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i wouldnt think that would hurt a thing. i always salt the ears as i go, they always make me nervous.
A couple of things will happen, the first is that you will find you can get a better grip on things with the salt, thats the good thing! the salt will cause the fluids in the hide to come out and will be messy,thats the bad part. If you decide to do this I suggest you find an old towel and put under cape, this should help, and make sure to wash the salt off of your knives and other metal equipment you are using.
Hi Chuck,
To beter preserve, skin out the head, ears , open eyelids and nostrils. Apply common table salt (100 pds costs 10-15 $) rub it on the skin ALL OVER, even in the folds. I put some in the ear cavity. It's not necessary to remouve the fat or meet at this time. (I will get clobured for this statement but try it, it works for me)
Make a salting rack with plastic covered frost fence at an angle so the water will drip out, if you do many, have a plywood underneat to catch the salt when you over turn the cape. That salt is reusable.
This is done in a cool shed and will keep till spring heat. When ready to mount, put the capes in a phormic acid pickle a week before then flesh. It's like cutting butter with a hot knife.
I never remouve the salt, ok I use a machine that is not affected by it.
Have fun,
Gerry