Tanning a squirrel hide might seem daunting, but with the right approach and patience, you can preserve this small, delicate hide and turn it into a beautiful keepsake or even usable material. This guide provides a step-by-step process for safely and effectively tanning a squirrel hide at home. Remember, always prioritize safety and follow local regulations regarding wildlife handling and processing.
Preparing the Squirrel Hide
Before you begin the tanning process, proper preparation is crucial for a successful outcome. Here's what you need to do:
1. Skinning and Fleshing:
- Ethical Harvesting: Ensure you've obtained the squirrel legally and ethically. Check local hunting regulations.
- Immediate Skinning: Skin the squirrel as soon as possible after it's been harvested to prevent spoilage. Carefully remove the hide, avoiding cuts and tears as much as possible.
- Fleshing: Use a fleshing knife or a dull blade to carefully scrape away all remaining fat, muscle tissue, and membrane from the hide's flesh side. Thorough fleshing is vital for preventing decay and ensuring proper tanning. Be patient and meticulous; this step takes time.
2. Cleaning the Hide:
- Washing: Rinse the hide thoroughly with cool water to remove any remaining blood or debris.
- Salt Treatment (Optional but Recommended): Liberally salt the flesh side of the hide. This helps to draw out moisture and prevent bacterial growth. Allow it to sit for 24-48 hours, ensuring the salt is evenly distributed. Then, rinse thoroughly again.
The Tanning Process: A Simple Brain Tanning Method
Brain tanning is a traditional method using the animal's own brain to soften and preserve the hide. While it requires some patience, it yields soft, supple leather. Note: This method is best for smaller hides like squirrels.
1. Preparing the Brain:
- Obtain the Brain: Carefully remove the squirrel's brain.
- Mix the Brain: Mix the brain thoroughly with a small amount of water to create a creamy paste. This mixture contains natural enzymes that break down the hide's proteins.
2. Applying the Brain Mixture:
- Even Application: Work the brain paste thoroughly into the flesh side of the hide using your fingers or a small, clean brush. Ensure the paste covers the entire surface evenly.
- Folding and Storing: Fold the hide flesh-side to flesh-side and place it in a sealed plastic bag.
- Fermentation: Allow the hide to ferment in a cool, dark place (around 60-70°F) for several days, or even a week, checking periodically. The hide should become soft and pliable. The exact time depends on temperature and hide size.
3. Washing and Softening:
- Washing: Once the fermentation process is complete, thoroughly wash the hide with cool water to remove all traces of the brain mixture.
- Softening: Gently work the hide to soften it further. You can use a wooden mallet or your hands.
Finishing Touches
After tanning, there are several options to finish your squirrel hide:
- Drying: Gently stretch the hide onto a flat surface and allow it to air dry completely, avoiding direct sunlight.
- Conditioning: Once dry, apply a leather conditioner to keep the hide supple and prevent cracking.
- Storage: Store the tanned hide in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Important Considerations:
- Safety: Always handle the hide and tools carefully to avoid injuries.
- Odor: Brain tanning can produce a strong odor during the fermentation process; ensure adequate ventilation.
- Experimentation: The tanning process can vary slightly depending on the environment and the specific hide. Don't be afraid to experiment and adjust the process as needed.
Tanning a squirrel hide is a rewarding experience that connects you to traditional methods of preserving animal hides. By following this detailed guide, you can transform a delicate squirrel hide into a cherished keepsake or a piece of unique handcrafted material. Remember to prioritize safety and patience throughout the entire process.
