Just started into taxidermy and wondered if anyone has any tips on fleshing a coyote. I skinned it the other day and threw it in the freezer. I thawed it today and started fleshing with a scalpel and have fleshed for 2 hours so far and may be half done also have several holes. Is this a normal amount of time to spend fleshing? Is ther a better way? Thanks in advance for any help.
Return to Lifesize Mammal Taxidermy Category Menu
A scalpel is more of a tool for skinning small animals or small areas. (quail, squirrels, face area, etc...) Another thing is you don't want to "cut" all the junk off of the hide. You have to "push" it or "tear" it off with either a fleshing beam and a fleshing knife or by using a fleshing machine. The scalpel is probably the reason why you have holes in your hide. Me myself I use a fleshing beam and knife and If I try to do a really good job (not a quick crappy job) It usually takes me about 30 minutes to a half hour to flesh an animal the size of a coyote. It takes a little more time if the feet are attached and you have to be careful around the face area. I usually use a dull butter knife to thoroughly flesh the face area.
Everyone is going to say use the orange search button on the left of your screen. But I am a first timer like you and would like to share what I learned and did. I used a wire wheel on an air tool, or if you have a bench grinder to put one on. I did not have the proper fleshing tool at my disposal. But you should stop putting wholes in this thing right now and salt the hide. Then after two days put in pickle if you are going to us one and after at least one day in the pickle will make fleshing easier and when you are done put back in pickle. This can be done as much as needed. It is also easier to thin it down after tanning. Best advice I can give you is to stop putting wholes in it, ) is no fun having to sew) salt the hide roll flesh to flesh then come back here and read the archives with your topic. Good luck!
Mark ,you'll want to make sure you degrease the skin before tanning.I soak my skins in mineral spirits for about 30-40 minutes, then I give them a quick wash and place them in my pickle solution.The wire wheel is a fantastic alternative to doing it by hand with a scalpel,I feel for ya,I've been there too-good luck!