How to De-fur a Deer Hide

Making buckskin from deer hide is a time-honored tradition among hunters. Not only do they take pleasure in knowing they used another part of the animal, they also end up with a piece of soft, supple leather that can be made into a durable vest, jacket, handbag or pair of gloves. Before a deer hide can be tanned into buckskin, the hair must be removed.

Things You'll Need

  • Large, plastic garbage can
  • Mixing paddle
  • 5 quarts hydrated lime
  • 10 pints vinegar
  • Water
  • Plywood sheet
  • Dull knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mix 5 quarts hydrated lime with 5 gallons of water in a large, plastic garbage can and stir with a mixing paddle until the lime dissolves. Immerse the hide in the solution and stir. Soak the hide for three or four days, stirring two or three times daily. Check the hide each day and remove it from the mixture when the hair comes off easily in your hand.

    • 2

      Rinse the hide with cold water. Lay it hair-side up on a plywood sheet. Push off the hair with the spine of a dull knife.

    • 3

      Remove any fatty or glandular tissue by scraping the hide with the spine of the dull knife. Position the knife blade nearly flat against the hide as you do this. Repeat this step on the other side. Rinse the hide with cold water.

    • 4

      Fill the garbage can with fresh water. Submerge the hide and soak it for 5 hours.

    • 5

      Remove the hide and rinse it with cold water. Repeat Step 3.

    • 6

      Stop the lime action by mixing 10 gallons of fresh water with 10 pints of vinegar. Immerse the hide in the solution and soak it for 24 hours, stirring every 4 hours.

    • 7

      Remove the hide and fill the garbage can with clean water. Submerge the hide and soak it for 8 hours.