Anybody know how to tan a hide? (literally)

[ScoutColt]

I've come into possesion of 3 deer hides and about 15 coyote hides that I have frozen. Does anybody know the steps to tan these and keep the fur side intact?

Or if anybody does tanning and would like to talk trade (ie: i'll give you 3 deer skins if you give me a tanned one back) or knows anyone who does I'd love to talk with ya.

Just trying to make something useful for faire out of something but I feel I'm out of my depth with tanning.

[Snylor]

 We have a tanner of sorts in Valhalla. His name is Freestyle and I have seen 3 axis deer hides he has tanned, that came out quite well.  However it will cost you a coyote hide as well for Mineself as I have been hunting one to make a sporran out of for some time now.  Come by camp and I'm sure he'll help you out or at least point you in the right direction.

[Tanyor]

Don't be afraid to try it on your own. I learned by tanning squirrels hides which I shot with my bb-gun.

http://www.cahe.nmsu.edu/pubs/_l/l-103.pdf     Info.

http://www.thetanneryinc.com/basic_home_tanning_kit.html


Also I know alot of people don't mention this, but smoking the hide while stretched over a dead wood or leave fire puts a tar covering around the hide to protect even further.

Make sure its away from the flame.

Oh the kit I think is alum tanning the best for hair on hide tanning.

[Randal]

You can try your local taxidermist. You might find one who is willing to take hides in trade, or give you a bulk discount.

Randal

[ScoutColt]

local taxidermies run for 100 bucks a hide, 50 for the coyotes, and they don't take trade. most of them kill their own on the weekends.

I "may" try it myself, but I will definitely come talk to you folks in valhalla, and I'll gladly get ya a coyote hide tossed in no problem! We have about 7 packs out at the lease, bout 10 a pack, so we'll have plenty to spare.

[Tipsy Gypsy]

If you can find a book (try Amazon, eBay or bookfinder.com) called Wildwood Wisdom, it gives information on  several different ways to tan hides.

[MacLaren]

DOOD!!! Can I talk you out of a couple Coyote hides for a nominal fee? My sister knows how to tan, and I'd love to put together a new bit of garb!

[ScoutColt]

fee, trade, we can work something out :-) it's not gonna be the head, it's all from the neck down.

[MacLaren]

Cool...

If you're coming to TRF this weekend, find me at 500 next to Rev. I'm the kilted one there. I'll bring a sample bamboo walking staff if you're interested in such things. I work with bamboo, so most anything can be traded if you like.....gotta go set up camp.....

[Snylor]

Scout,
We were at TRF this weekend but you never came by Valhalla.  We will also be there Thanksgiving weekend if you still need advise.  We are not hard to find............row 11 Huge Flag and red parachute.

[ScoutColt]

Yah. I know the spot. This weekend was a lil rough for me. I'm gonna try to come by. We'll be out wednesday night at the gate and see if they turn us away. so I'll try to come over.

[MacLaren]

Oh, by the way....

I'm officially off work(dangnubbit IT'S FAIRE!! I'M GOING TO SEE IT AT LEAST ONCE THIS YEAR!!!), so no me in booth this weekend. You'll find me at the McLotofus camp instead(row 8 on the paved side), if you have a pelt or two, or three, or....

Will trade...I'll bring some goodies for you to look at. I may even have a few green pieces of paper.

[ScoutColt]

I won't have anything together by Tday weekend. But I can get contact information. Everything we've collected is still in freezers in Giddings and needs to remain there until we can turn in the ear bounty etc. But with contact info I can get with all of you easy enough outside of faire!

[MacLaren]

That's kewl