How to Tan Coyotes

The tanning of hides and furs is an art perfected by society's ancient civilizations. Today's modern technology allows small fur skins such as coyote to be tanned at home using a variety of techniques. The oldest, most commonly used and least expensive of these methods is salt and alum tanning. This method requires few tools and chemicals that are easy to acquire locally. When properly executed, salt and alum tanning produces flexible skins with ample stretch.

Things You'll Need

  • Ammonium aluminum sulfate or potassium aluminum sulfate
  • Water
  • Crystallized sodium carbonate
  • Salt
  • Borax
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Instructions

  1. Salt and Alum Tanning

    • 1

      Dissolve one pound of ammonium aluminum sulfate or potassium aluminum sulfate in one gallon of water.

    • 2

      Dissolve four ounces of crystallized sodium carbonate and eight ounces of salt in a half-gallon of water.

    • 3

      Pour the crystallized sodium carbonate-salt solution very slowly into the aluminum sulfate solution while stirring vigorously.

    • 4

      Immerse the coyote skin in the tanning solution for two to five days, depending upon its thickness.

    • 5

      Rinse the hide clean in a gallon of water containing one ounce of borax. Rinse again in clean water.

    • 6

      Put the skin on a smooth board and press out the water.