| 
As a Taxidermist myself, I know how time consuming skinning,
fleshing and salting skins can be. However, if they are not
done properly many things can go wrong in the tanning process.
First, make sure you
flesh all the way around the eyes taking all the heavy meat
off and split the eyelids.
Second, split the nose
cartilage. You may leave it on but, it must be split and the
nose pad fleshed.
Third, take all the
heavy meat off of the ear butts and open the ear to about
one quarter (1/4) inch to one eighth (1/8) of an inch from
the edge. This will help prevent the ear from blowing out
during the tanning process.
Fourth, remove all
the heavy meat off of the skin, punch your identification
numbers into the skin (i.e. your work order number assigned
to your customer) and salt. Do not be selfish with the salt.
Make sure your rub it into the skin throughly especially on
the face and ears.
Lay skin on a slight
incline and let drain over night or at least twenty four hours.
Shake the excess salt free from the skin and let hang to dry.
If the skin is still real bloody or wet, apply another light
coating of salt for another twenty four hours. What this dose
is draw out all of the moisture and sets the hair.
|
