Preparing the Coyote Hide for Tanning

Tanning a coyote hide is a rewarding process that allows you to turn a raw, animal skin into a beautiful and long-lasting material. However, before you start the tanning process, it's essential to properly prepare the hide. This article will guide you through the steps required to prepare a coyote hide for tanning.

Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. Here's a list of what you'll need:

• Sharp knife or fleshing tool
• Borax or salt
• Buckets
• Gloves
• Water source

Skinning and Fleshing

The first step in preparing a coyote hide is to skin the animal. Once the animal has been skinned, use a sharp knife or fleshing tool to remove any excess fat, flesh, and membranes from the underside of the hide. This process is called fleshing and is crucial for proper tanning.

Salt the Hide

After fleshing, you need to preserve the hide until you are ready to tan it. To do this, cover the flesh side of the hide with a generous amount of borax or non-iodized salt. Rub the salt into the hide and make sure it is evenly distributed. Fold the hide flesh side inwards, roll it up, and place it in a cool and dry area. Let it sit for at least 24 hours to allow the salt or borax to draw out any remaining moisture.

Rehydrate the Hide

Once the hide has been salted and dried, it's time to rehydrate it. Fill a container or a large tub with cool water. Submerge the hide into the water and allow it to soak for several hours or overnight. This process will help relax the fibers and make the hide more pliable for tanning.

Remove Excess Hair and Epidermis

After rehydration, remove the hide from the water and lay it flat on a clean surface. Using a dull knife or a specialized fleshing tool, gently scrape off the excess hair, epidermis, and any remaining flesh. Take your time to ensure that you remove all the unwanted material without damaging the hide itself.

Neutralize the Hide

At this stage, it's important to neutralize the acidity of the hide. Prepare a solution of one part baking soda and ten parts water in a large container. Submerge the hide into the solution and let it soak for about an hour. This step helps balance the pH level of the hide, which is crucial for successful tanning.

Final Rinse

After neutralizing, rinse the hide thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining baking soda or residue. Gently squeeze out the excess water, but make sure not to wring or twist the hide, as it can cause damage.

Wrap the Hide

Lastly, wrap the coyote hide in a clean towel or cloth to absorb any remaining moisture. Leave it wrapped for a few hours to allow the moisture to be absorbed, and then carefully unfold the hide.

Conclusion

By following these steps to prepare your coyote hide, you'll be ready to move on to the tanning process. Remember that proper preparation is essential for achieving high-quality results. Take your time and be meticulous in each step of the preparation process, as it will contribute to the overall success of your tanning project.