I am skinning a deer head which was frozer, unfortunately alot of the neck was also frozen and it is taking longer than expected to thaw.
What is the time frame from removing the hide until it must be in the brine solution to prevent bacteria from starting to grow?
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I would not use a brine solution witout acid.
Just think how salty the Oceans are, Black Seam Great Salt lake, bacteria are rampant in salt water solutions. So bad even in the clear pristine Caribbean, you can get serious eye infections in just hours.
There are too many variables to answer your question with a simple answer. Freezing inhibits and slows bacterial growth, as it thaws they kick back into action. There will alway be portions that thaw qicker than others and the bacteria will continue to multiple. Some taxidermists one time told me, "There is a specific time frame you have to process the hide before it slips. The trick is to beat and prevent this specific time from ever happening." Time is ticking, so you better get busy. Left alone, it will slip, sooner or later. It is our job to beat the time line. Hot weather, high humidity, blood, dirt, water, and such evils, will speed up the bacterial grow. A bragging hunter driving around with it for three days is even worse. You may want to thaw in a refrigerater if you are real concerned. In the winter, I don't think much about it. I am very cautious in the summer months. The ears are usually the first area to have problem, just keep the climate cool. I have seen perfect specimens have problems and "sure slippers" tan out perfect. Sorry, no great answer to a problem every taxidermist worries about.
Thanks Kenneth, for you answer to my question.
And to John, I didn't really ask my question correctly, I actually meant until you rubbed it with salt...........Thanks for the information
Mike, Wrap those ears against the neck with a towel to keep them cold as the neck thaws. Allow the head to thaw on a cool floor or similar place. Don't worry- when the skin loosens start skinning down the neck, saw off the excess neck and as soon as thawing allows finish skinning, salt heavily, drain etc.--Enjoy, Aaron H.