Each hide is tanned to a design you request. The price will reflect the specific design and complexity of the hide. Proper hide care and skinning is paramount to the end product.
Proper care of a harvested hide involves immediate cooling, cleaning, and removing fat/flesh, followed by either freezing or heavy salting to prevent hair slippage and spoilage. Keep hides dry, cool, and out of direct sunlight. Fold, don't roll, with flesh-side out and freeze immediately, or salt thoroughly, allowing to dry in a cool area.
Key Steps for Hide Care
Immediate Action: Skin the animal quickly to dissipate heat. Keep the hide clean, dry, and cool.
Fleshing: Remove as much excess fat, meat, and membrane as possible to accelerate cooling and prevent bacterial growth.
Preservation - Freezing (Best Option): Place the folded hide (flesh-to-flesh) in a plastic bag, remove air, and freeze immediately.
Preservation - Salting (If Freezing is Unavailable):
Lay the hide flesh-side up and apply a heavy layer of non-iodized salt (e.g., table or canning salt).
Rub salt into all areas, particularly folds, the face, lips, and ears.
After 24 hours, shake off the old salt, re-apply a fresh layer, and allow it to dry in a cool, shaded area for 2–3 days.
Handling & Transport: Do not use plastic bags for long-term storage of unfrozen hides as they trap moisture. Use breathable bags like burlap for transport. Keep salted hides away from direct heat and sunlight.