Looking for a way to toughen up duck skins i read in the archives about soaking the skinned out duck in salt for 12 hours. Was wondering if any of you have tried this and if it works also any other ideas? Just got done with all my deer for this year now starting on waterfowl boy are these things fragile.I have the van-dykes bird flesher i just don't have a soft touch i guess.I did a hoody yesterday it went ok but my mallard today was a wreck i spent 3 hours repairing tears i not new at this but could use some advice especially around the tail. Do any of you ever cut past the ventto keep from tearing the skin? This one was a fresh bird last years bird it just seem to tear while handling it. Thanks for your help..ED
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I like to keep the vent intact. I think the tail is easier to handle and less prone to rip. Before I put my birds on the wire wheel, I wash them in dawn dish detergent and give them a quick rinse. This seems to toughen up the fat, which oddly enough, allows it to come off easier. Also, a wet skin seems to be more forgiving when you are a little aggressive with the wheel.
Ed, I never cut down to the vent as Mr Parrish instructed. I use the same machine as you but I use scissors around any tender areas. On woodies and teal I might do the entire bird that way. It takes some getting used to but the benifits outway the ackwardness. In time you can do a bird fairly quickly. Try it out and see if you like it.My best, Jim
Hi Ed,
What works well for us is we put 2 softer wire wheels on our machine instead of the one that came with it. It grabs less with the wider surface area and is easier to control. Give it a try. And yes the Dawn dish soap is for sure a good idea. Hope this helps.
Mike
Mallards are thin skinned anyhow, I find hoodies not as prone to tearing. But after I skin a duck, I like to apply Dawn to the flesh and let it set. Often overnight. Seems to help me and it help release the fat and toughen the skin. Some may not agree but it works for me. Hope it helps.