Hair on tanning, how to do or know a good tanner?

koger · October 09, 2009, 05:49:00 PM

My wife recently took an elk here in KY, have the hide frozen. It is in great shape, winter hair on. How hard is it to flesh and preserve/tan with hair on. Does anyone know a good quality tanner that is reasonably priced. All replies appreciated. Thanks, Sam.

koger · October 09, 2009, 08:29:00 PM

ttt.

**DONOTDELETE** · October 09, 2009, 08:32:00 PM

cabela's had a kit and I think they still have them so you can tan it yourself. If not try van dyke's at http://www.vandykestaxidermy.com/product/85000008/tan-um-kit-hair-on-

katie · October 09, 2009, 09:04:00 PM

I am working on one right now. If it turns out, I will pm you my recipe.

koger · October 09, 2009, 09:10:00 PM

Thanks Katie!

Chris Surtees · October 09, 2009, 09:56:00 PM

If you decide on using a tanner take a look at Specialty Leathers.

koger · October 13, 2009, 07:48:00 PM

TTT. Chris, you have a PM.

sunny hill archer · October 13, 2009, 07:52:00 PM

Concept Fur Dressers in Aurora Co. Top notch. They do work for museums around the country. Contact is Tom Shankster (303) 307-4374 .

Mike Byrge · October 14, 2009, 09:59:00 AM

Sam,
I've done several (deer) using a kit that Cabelas sells. It's an "immersion" solution...basically you clean the meat, etc. off the flesh-side then dunk the hide in the solution for a few days.

Bob B. · October 14, 2009, 10:17:00 AM

Well, I have scarped the hide, hard to do, gotta get the membrane off that is really hard to see.

Then, soak the hide in a solution or brains and water, and do not let it freeze, so keep in basement or whatever. Mix it everyday, hide will swell or thicken and the it is done when the solution will squeeze through the skin and come out the hair side, takes some effort to make it happen. (If yo do not use the brains of the animal you killed, you can use pig brains or whatever. Used to be easy to get them, now slaughter houses are hard to come by)

Anyway, when finished, usually 4-6 days, rise with regular water and stretch hide on a frame. It is important t not let it dry out or it will turn to raw hide. This is the time to "break the hide", use a stick of a pipe with a cap on it and rub the hide in all directions until it is dry to the touch and is pure white. This part sucks ... it is hard labor and you will be exhausted, it can take a few hours. the hide will be SOOO SOFT and very pliable. It must be smoked or if it gets wet it will turn to raw hide all over again. Smoking will water proof it, it can get soaked, but will remain soft and breathable. Smoked brain tan is some of the best stuff in the world in my opinion.

Bob.