How to Keep Deer Skin From Rotting
The nicely preserved deer skin is a nice and eye-catching addition to many hunters’ houses. Moreover, it is used to make many stylish and good quality products like shoes, coats, and gloves etc. Once hunted and butchered, the deer’s skin is carefully separated from the flesh and is set aside to dry. But, the deer’s skin holds is usually dampen due to presence of many liquids and is therefore home to bacteria. It can make the expensive carcass unusable by totting and destroying it. Therefore, it is very important to know the simple techniques to keep the deer skin from rotting. It is a simple and fun activity that anyone can easily perform at their home.
Things Required:
– Scissors
– Knife
– Knife Blade
– Several Pounds of Salt
Instructions
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1
Clean the Deer’s Skin
Inspect the deer’s skin from all angles and use a sharp pair of scissors or knife to trim way all the extra pieces of flesh attached to it. Moreover, closely examine the inner side of the skin to do away with the tiny bits of muscles attached to the hide. -
2
Hang the Deer’s Skin
Now hang the deer’s skin in a nicely ventilated area of the internal section of your house or suspend it outside. Leave it overnight as it helps in hardening the possible fats on the skin. -
3
Remove the Fats
Inspect the deer’s skin early in the next morning and pull of shave or shave all the congealed fats on its external side, using a sharp knife blade. -
4
Take away the Deer’s Skin from Hanging Position
Once you remove the fats, take away the deer’s hide from the hanging position and place it on a smooth ventilated area, with the fur-side down. Make sure to select an area that is free from rain or moisture. -
5
Bring the salt into play
Sprinkle some salt on the open side of the deer and spread it evenly. Add in more salt until it forms an even thick layer. According to the preservation experts, one pound of salt should be applied to every pound of the deer’s skin weight. -
6
Rub the Salt to Deer’s Hide
Now use your hand to rub the applied salt to the deer’s hide and set it aside. -
7
Inspect Deer’s Skin
Inspect the deer’s skin at the end of the second or third day and you will find the applied salt moist and clumped up. Scrape away this salt with the help of your hands and discard. -
8
Apply more Salt
Apply another thick layer of salt and rub it properly. Leave it for another 2 to 3 days. Scratch the salt and throw away. -
9
Apply the third layer
It is the time to add the third thick layer of salt in order to do away with all the moisture. Coat the inner side of the skin with the third layer and leave it for another 2 to 3 days. Remove the salt and enjoy nicely preserved deer skin. Use it the way you want.
