Preparing a deer hide for taxidermy is a crucial skill for hunters and wildlife lovers alike. Whether you’re looking to create a stunning mount or preserve the hide for other uses, getting the preparation right is essential.
Should You Prepare Your Own Deer Hide?
Before diving into the steps, let’s think about why you might want to handle the preparation yourself. Many hunters choose to do this for several reasons: it saves money on professional taxidermy; it adds a personal touch to the experience; it helps you develop a useful skill for future hunts; and it guarantees that the hide is processed just how you want it.
Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process of preparing a deer hide for taxidermy.
1: Field Dressing and Initial Care
The preparation of your deer hide starts right from the moment of the hunt. Proper field dressing is critical to ensure that the hide stays in good condition.
- Remove the hide from the deer as quickly as possible after the kill.
- Keep the hide clean and cool to prevent bacteria from growing.
- Avoid dragging the deer, as this can cause the hide to tear.
Remember, the more care you take of the deer hide in the field, the easier the rest of the process will be.
Step 2: Skinning the Deer
Skinning the deer is a vital part of preparing the hide for taxidermy. Here’s how you can do it:
- Hang the deer by its hind legs.
- Make a circular cut around the deer’s legs just above the knees.
- Cut from the back of the hind legs down to the anus. Carefully peel the hide away from the body, using your knife to cut any tough spots as needed. Continue skinning up to the head and neck area, being especially careful around the ears, eyes, and nose to keep these sensitive areas intact.
Step 3: Fleshing the Hide
After skinning, you’ll need to get rid of any leftover flesh or fat. This process is known as fleshing.
- Lay the hide flat on a fleshing beam or a sturdy table.
- Use a fleshing knife or scraper to remove all flesh and fat.
- Work from the center of the hide outward, being thorough but careful not to damage the hide.
Proper fleshing is key for effective tanning and the overall quality of your taxidermy mount.
Step 4: Salting the Deer Hide
Salting is another critical step in preserving your deer hide. It helps draw out moisture and prevents bacteria from developing.
- Lay the hide flat with the fur side down.
- Cover the entire flesh side with a generous amount of non-iodized salt.
- Make sure to salt the edges and folds thoroughly.
- Let the salted hide sit for 24-48 hours. After that, shake off the salt and add a fresh layer.
Getting the salting right can significantly affect how well the hide preserves.
Step 5: Tanning the Deer Hide
Tanning transforms the raw hide into leather. While there are various methods out there, we’ll focus on a simple one you can do at home.
Materials Needed:
- Tanning solution (store-bought or homemade)
- Large soaking container
- Rubber gloves
- Softening oil
Tanning Process:
- Soak the salted hide in clean water for several hours to remove the salt.
- Prepare your tanning solution as per the instructions.
- Submerge the hide in the tanning solution for 24-48 hours.
- Remove the hide and rinse it thoroughly.
- Apply a softening oil to keep the hide supple.
Keep in mind, tanning is a complex process, and many taxidermists prefer to leave it to the professionals.
Step 6: Stretching and Drying
After tanning, it’s time to stretch and dry the hide:
- Pull the hide over a frame or board.
- Secure the edges with nails or tacks.
- Allow the hide to dry completely in a cool, shaded spot.
- Occasionally work the hide as it dries to keep it soft.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Once your deer hide is dry, you can add those finishing touches:
- Brush out any tangles in the fur.
- Trim any uneven edges.
- Apply a leather conditioner to maintain softness.
Tips for Success
To get the best results when preparing your deer hide for taxidermy, keep these pointers in mind:
- Act quickly after the hunt to avoid spoilage.
- Keep your tools clean and sharp.
- Be patient and meticulous with each step.
- The weather matters – cooler temperatures are preferable for hide prep.
If ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult a professional taxidermist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When working on a deer hide for taxidermy, keep an eye out for these common mistakes:
- Not removing all flesh and fat during the fleshing process.
- Using insufficient salt or not salting long enough.
- Allowing the hide to dry out before tanning.
- Rushing and accidentally damaging the hide.
Steer clear of these pitfalls, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful taxidermy project.
The First Step to the Trophy Mount: Prepare your Deer Hide
Preparing a deer hide for taxidermy is a rewarding way to preserve your hunting memories. While it does take time and effort, the results can be outstanding. Following this guide will help you create a fantastic taxidermy mount or preserve your deer hide for other projects.
Remember: practice makes perfect. Don’t be discouraged if things aren’t flawless on your first attempt. With each deer hide, you’ll improve as your skills and techniques develop. And when you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to seek advice from experienced hunters or professional taxidermists.
Whether you’re doing a full mount, a European mount, or just preserving the hide, these steps will guide you toward achieving the best outcomes. Happy hunting and happy taxidermy!
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Call: (610) 301-2333
Email: info@artisticvisionswildlife.com
Visit: 507 Benjamin Franklin Highway West, Douglassville, PA 19518
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