Deer Hide Preparation

**phearless** · October 18th, 2008, 10:11 PM

Here are a few pics of how I prepped deer hide and bucktail.

Just make sure you get all the fat and flesh off.
Then you won't have any problems down the road.

**knotnot** · October 18th, 2008, 10:16 PM

Thanks Fred.
Good to see pics of the process.
My father in-law is hunting up there this weekend.
Will keep you informed what or if any thing comes my way.

**_HOOK_** · October 19th, 2008, 11:50 AM

nice pics Fred. my girls dad brought me back 2 almost full hides of deer from the hunting trip. What are you using to treat the hide? Salt or Borax? mine are in the freezer until i have time to do it all as there is alot obviuosly

your a lucky guy to get whitetail

mine are muley but they will still work LOL he even brought me back face chunks like you told me to get

AND i have like 3 Grouse worth of feathers also :yeah:

**phearless** · October 19th, 2008, 08:29 PM

I use borax.
Salt will work to, but you must have the hide in a dry, not humid area.
If not what happens is the salt pulls moisture from the air and you get a mess.
If it happens clean it off and start again.

I skinned and boraxed a blue grouse skin as well.
Pics tomorrow.

**bc_speys** · October 24th, 2008, 11:03 AM

I've prepared many of my own 'tails and skins and I always use borax. Not only does salt draw moisture from the air, it also draws out the oils in the hairs and feathers causing them to lose their luster. Who wants dull, flat unattractive materials.

Cliff.

**phearless** · October 24th, 2008, 11:22 AM

Not me!
I want vibrant bouncy full of body and shine.
Gee your deer hair smells terriffic

**phearless** · November 12th, 2008, 05:12 PM

Here is what I ended up with

Notice the varying colour as you go from belly to back.
Looks like very good quality hair.
can't wait to tie up some dries!

**rmpearson12** · November 12th, 2008, 07:39 PM

Fine looking deer hide there Fred. You got enough to tie dries for the rest of your life. I got a little peice in the freezer from my sons bossI have to get to. I think this weekend I will get to it yours looks so good. Thanks

Ross