Would this method work?

Yes that is with the hair on. I have used it for deer, bear, coyotes, fox, coon, mink and beaver with good results the solution calls for one gallon of soft water, one ounce commercial strength sufuric acid, and one quart fine salt (water softener salt). Soak hide in solution for about 3 days. Remove hide wring dry, and soak overnight in a pail of water to which a half cup of sal soda (baking soda)to neutralize any remaining acid. Rub,pull and stretch hide until dry, if it drys hard, dampen and rub and work again. Repeat until hide stays soft. You can treat finished hide with neatsfoot oil. Larger hides may need to be soaked a bit longer. Make enough solution to soak entire hide and make sure hide is loose and not rolled tight when soaking, stir it at times. Work hide over the end of a round object as a baseball bat clamped tight. Do not inhale yellow fumes when adding acid into water. If you let hide soak too long the hair will come off. Wash the hide in soap and water to get all blood and dirt out before starting. Scrap all meat and fat off hide before soak.