I can't seem to get 3 mule deer capes to stiffen and dry up. I salted them twice over a 48 hour period and have them hanging to drip and dry. They are still very flexible. I live in Oregon where it rains every day and every night. It's not humid but it is damp. My shop is not heated. Any suggestions on getting them to stiffen up before I send them to the tannery? How stiff and dry do they need to be before I send them to the tannery? Also is it ok to put them in a box lined with plastic when I ship them. I want to prevent salt from falling out of the box at the post office.
Thanks for any help.
Mike
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Your hides are OK.The salt in them is drawing the humidity from the air so they may take a long time to dry.After they have been salted a couple of days they are safe.They don't have to be completely dry to send to the tannery.I like to use feed bags(they breathe a little) or just tape all the seams in the box,though I have recieved salted hides from outfitters that were in plastic bags and they were just fine.I would let them hang for a few days,then send.Remember,the salt will also draw moisture from a concrete floor,so if they are laying on concrete ,it might help to put them on plywood.
After they have been salted twice and hung to dry, I will put a fan on them if Im in a hurry. They wont need to be rock hard to send them out either. Good luck. Mark Natures-Reflection.com
I apprecaaite you guys taking the time to help me out. Hopefully I can return the favor some day.
Take care,
Mike