I am elk hunting shortly, would like to have the hide tanned and use the leather for several things as mementos, such as gloves, tabs, knife sheaths, possible bags, quivers and so on. I am looking for an affordable, reputable tanner or a good tutorial on how to do it myself. All help appreciated,

I remember reading in a book written by Bob Munger about Fred Bear, in which the Eskimo women used to urinate on the hides, then chew it.  I guess it all depends on how economical you want to be with it I guess.  To me, it might be worth a couple buck to not have to brush for a couple hours straight.

http://www.3riversarchery.com/Books+DVD%27s+How%2DTo+Deerskins+Into+Buckskins+DVD_c42_s33_p57_i7894_product.html

The deer hides that I tanned compared to the ones I sent out to have tanned are a world of difference. On an elk I would defiantly send it out to be done. Check with your local taxidermist.....stabow

QuoteOriginally posted by Grapes:
 I remember reading in a book written by Bob Munger about Fred Bear, in which the Eskimo women used to urinate on the hides, then chew it.  I guess it all depends on how economical you want to be with it I guess.  To me, it might be worth a couple buck to not have to brush for a couple hours straight.  

 There ain't nothing right about that, nothing...

braintan.com

okay, bottom line is that if this dumb college kid can get quality leather from doing it myself  . . . anyone can do it. Check out Wasco, and Van Dykes Taxidermy supply for materials, they have tons of books and DVDs on tanning.  I personally have the Complete book of tanning skins and furs that I purchased from 3rivers forever ago.  The book was definitely written by an older individual because one of the tanning methods can basically no longer be done because of the difficulty of obtaining sulfuric acid. Other than that the tanning processes and chemicals are the same . . . hope this helps!

One last thing to consider, although tanning at home can be cheaper, nothing during the tanning process is easy and their are no short cuts . . . its hard work!

for economy, you can't beat braintanning.  minimal equipment needed but lots of elbow grease.  I'd second the recommendation for braintan.com for the how-to.

Ted