How to Cure a Deer Skin

Hunters can tan deer skins for use as wall hangings or clothes. Deer skins ought to be tanned within one day of gutting a deer, but If you cannot tan the hide right away, you can cure it and store it through the winter. Additionally, curing helps the skin accept tanning agents when you begin the tanning process. Before curing the skin, be sure to remove all of the flesh and trim any ragged edges.

Things You'll Need

  • Technical grade salt or non-iodized salt
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Instructions

    • 1

      Spread the skin on a flat surface, with the fur-side facing down.

    • 2

      Sprinkle the skin with salt, using 1 lb. of salt for every 1 lb. of hide. Cover the entire flesh-side of the skin with salt. Pay special attention to the edges, neck, legs and wrinkles. Salt needs to cover every area of flesh or it will

    • 3

      Repeat Step 2 after two or three days, or when the salt becomes completely saturated with moisture.

    • 4

      Place the skin in a place where fluid can easily drain from it. The fluid will take 10 to 14 days to drain off. If needed, hang the skin to ensure it is completely dried before proceeding to Step 5.

    • 5

      Store the skin in an area protected from the moisture and heat until you are ready to tan it.