Hello,
I recently shot a coon, and decided that since I had it it would be nice to make it into a pelt. So far, all I've done is skinned it, and put it into the freezer. It was then that I realized that I've never done this before, and don't have a clue on how to proceed. I'd like to do the work myself, since I've always been intregued by taxidermy and a professional taxidermist would probably charge me an arm and a leg. So does anyone have any suggestions/ideas?
If I get a deer this fall like I hope to, I would like to make a large pelt out of it, also. Is that practical for a novice like me to do? If so, could someone point me to a tutorial of some sort on how to go about it? Thanks in advace,
Joe
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The hide is a pelt, but you need to tan it to make it so it will live for ever, just click the search button, the orange one, and type in "Raccoon Tanning" Or "How to Tan" Or if all else fails click the tanning section.
Go to some taxidermy supplier websites, and buy a tanning kit, and a tanning video so you can see how to do it.
Thanks for the info -- I found a recipe that looks pretty good...But it calls for battery acid. Where do I get that? Out of a car battery? I supose I could..But the only car batteries I have are good ones, and if I pour the acid out, won't that make it not work anymore?
The first step to this process is to remove all excess fat and skin. Racoon's are very fatty and greasy so this can be a challenge! Once that is complete, go to your local grocery and buy non-iodized salt.(Morton or any cheap salt table salt will do just fine). DO NOT use rock salt. Cover the hide completely with salt, don't be afraid to use to much, the hide must be covered thouroughly. The salting process will "lock" the hair into place so that it never "slips" or falls out. This is prehaps the most important steps. Next you should check with taxidermy supply stores, whether in person or on the internet, and purchase the proper chemicals needed to complete the job. These can usually be purchased in a kit with directions to mix the chemicals. Good luck and happy tanning!
If you frose your pelt you must first flesh the hide by taking a knife and cutting off all exess fat and meat. Then you must salt the hide with non-iodized fine grain salt and let it set for 48 hours resalt if needed. After that put the hide in warm water to soften it then you are ready to tan. To tan mix 1 pound alum with another pound of salt and leave it in that mixure for about a week. once that is done dry the pelt on a frame, when it is almost dry rub completly with warm neatsfoot oil and let dry completly. The final step is breaking the hide do this by rubbing it over the edge of a table then taking coarse sand-paper and working it until smooth. This will make a beautiful rug that will last for years.