Texas Hunting Forum

Tanning coyote hide?

Posted By: MeTxLady

Tanning coyote hide? - 10/21/13 11:37 PM

My husband killed a pretty big coyote with a very nice coat this morning. We were hoping to get the hide tanned but a guy he works with who has it done a lot said it wouldn't work because it's not cold enough out yet. He said the back side would turn blue and the hair would fall out. Does anyone know if this is right or if there is someone who can do it to where the hair won't fall out and it will be nice? Hate to spend the $$ on it if it won't last. Many thanks!
Posted By: crosshare

Re: Tanning coyote hide? - 10/22/13 01:46 AM

Don't understand the reasoning behind this. If it isn't cold enough for him to tan now it can be put it the freezer. I'm sure he is tanning it some old school way I can't think of now. If your happy with his work ask him about freezing it now and tanning it later.
It can be wet tanned anytime and oiled as it dries to a very nice hide, done many critters this way.
Posted By: MeTxLady

Re: Tanning coyote hide? - 10/22/13 02:09 AM

He said that if you skin it now, the inside will be kind of blue because it isn't cold weather outside and even if it's tanned, the hair won't stick to it good.
Posted By: crosshare

Re: Tanning coyote hide? - 10/22/13 09:57 PM

Ok, I don't know bout this, I have skinned them throughout the year with no issues. Granted, I pulled them out of the freezer.
All I can say is wrap it up and freeze it then take it to him when it gets cold out.
Posted By: Redhead1

Re: Tanning coyote hide? - 10/23/13 09:57 AM

You can't leave it get too warm, bacteria will break the raw hide down no matter what it is if it is out of refrigeration too long. I've had to work on them then get them in the fridge for awhile to cool down. Once it is completely salted it is good to go.
Posted By: MeTxLady

Re: Tanning coyote hide? - 10/27/13 07:43 PM

Thanks for your replies.
Posted By: banderapass1

Re: Tanning coyote hide? - 10/28/13 12:04 AM

No problem...scrape all the meat off the hide..rub salt in the hide evenly...roll it up good inside out...fur inside...wrap it in a wet towel and store it in freezer
..not for a long time...just till you are ready to tan it yourself or take it to taxidermist..
Posted By: Gage C.

Re: Tanning coyote hide? - 11/02/13 04:13 PM

The hide will turn blue if you use TABLE salt. make sure you are using NON_IODIZED salt for pickling. shouldn't have any problems. I've been using 'Trappers hide tanning formula' and its been working great in all temperatures
Posted By: Kiko-G

Re: Tanning coyote hide? - 11/05/13 05:10 PM

Bacteria will damage the hide if the hide was left out without salt and folded. As long as there is no fold or roll ups in hide and it will be ok. Best thing to do is stretched out the hide with sticks like the Indians used to do and apply salt. Let it dry in the shade in term you scrape it. If you work on it and don't finish scraping salted again.

To tan it, collect some acorns, mash them. Put the hide in a plastic or wood container(never metal) and let it marinate for about 30 days. Some boil water and throw in the acorns to release the tannic acid allowing the tea to cool before you put in the hide. Both ways have worked for me. Take it out about every 5 days and stench it. After the 30 days or so, take it out and stretch it until its dry and soft.

For a quicker tan you can substitute the acorns for alum rock and salt. You can purchase alum a pool supply place. Powder works best and should be 40% alum/ 50% salt. With alum the hide will be tanned in 5 - 7 days. Thicker hides will require longer times.

This requires work but a beautiful hobby that needs to be passed on and preserved.

Posted By: Deer Creek Taxidermy

Re: Tanning coyote hide? - 11/07/13 11:52 PM

I think he was saying the hide was not prime, sometimes called a blue hide! Has nothing to do with the temp out side. It should tan just fine, if your happy with the hair quality that it has right now.
Posted By: MikeBillington

Re: Tanning coyote hide? - 11/08/13 01:25 PM

x2 on Deer Creek's respond. A blue hide just means it is not prime winter hide. It still will tan up all right if it had been taken care of properly before it hits the taxidermy/tannery. You just won't have quite as thick of a pelt as if you would have with a prime winter coat.
© 2024 Texas Hunting Forum