I fleshed this bear and got the majority of the fat anf meat off. I salted for 2 days then rinsed and put in the pickle. It has been in the pickle for 3 days now at 1.5 ph. My question is that I just read two different opinions in the orange button. One said the way I am doing it is ok, the other said that I should have let dry stiff before pickiling. Let me have it guys is this bear going to be ok or not. I have done all my deer this way in the past but this isnt a deer and now worried. Thanks
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I have done both ways and have had no bad results...
Lee thanks for responding. I have alot of hair that will just pull out fairly easy. I know I should just not pull onit but the fact I didnt let it dry had me worried on this one. What do you think, when I pull it out tonight and thin it a little more, then throw back inthe pickle for 3 days, should I then let it dry or go ahead and tan it. Of course this is after I nuetralize. Thanks again
Take it out tonight and shave it, throw it back in the pickle for another 24hours will be plenty, then take it out neutralize hang it for about 30 - 45 min to let it drain some then continue with the tan. Be carefull of the hair while shaving I know you said its loose.
I know many of the old timers will insist that it be, but once the salt has removed all the moisture (as your 2 days in the salt must have), I don't see any advantage of letting it dry. IN MY OPINION, rehydrating the hide can't be any less stressful to the hide than not having it bone dry.
Thanks again to everyone giving me their advice on this.Much Appreciated!