Rehydration

I have a couple of deer capes that have been salted until dry and then frozen. I need to rehyrdrate them so I can pickle and flesh. I have looked through the archives but I just cant find something that states plain and imple "What should I use to rehydrate the skins?" It seems simple, But I found where it said not to use plain water. I would assume to mix water and salt, but the capes have salt on them. So I would think that plain water would be ok, in combination with the salt on the skins. Im kind of confused... Any help?

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rehydrating hides

Steve,
This is how i do my hides.. i fill a cooler about 3/4 with plain cold water and add a cap full of lysol. i place(wrestle) the hides into the cooler. after 18 to 24 hours, i rinse in cold water then into a pickle.. Hope this helps

Doug

Thanks a lot Doug

Thanks for the info!

Add Salt

I always add about a half pound of salt per gallon of water when rehydrating. You only have to leave it in the liquid for a few hours. After it comes out of the water throw it in a plastic bag, seal it up and stick it in the fridge over night. When you take it out in the morning it will be relaxed. The thing about leaving it in plain water for 24 hrs is it goes back to a raw green hide and is risky unless you live in a cold climate. I have even done this in a 5 gallon bucket and put it in my shop fridge. My way, at least the skin stays cool. I never use Lysol!

Thanks

Many techniques I guess...Well, here in FL it gets hot, so maybe the fridge is a good idea. Thanks.