Preserving a squirrel hide requires careful attention to detail and a methodical approach. Whether you're a seasoned taxidermist or a curious beginner, this guide provides a step-by-step process to ensure your squirrel hide is preserved beautifully and lasts for years to come. This detailed process covers everything from initial skinning to final tanning and storage, ensuring a high-quality, long-lasting result.
Preparing the Squirrel Hide
The first step in preserving a squirrel hide is proper preparation. This involves careful skinning and initial cleaning to prevent damage and spoilage.
1. Skinning the Squirrel:
- Sharp Tools: Use sharp, clean tools like a scalpel or small skinning knife to minimize damage to the hide. Dull tools will tear the skin, ruining the final product.
- Careful Incisions: Make a small incision along the belly from the pelvis to the chin. Carefully separate the skin from the body, being mindful not to cut into the hide itself. Use your fingers and the knife to work the skin free, taking your time and being gentle.
- Removing the Head: Carefully work the skin over the head and ears, ensuring the skin remains intact. Remember, patience is key here!
- Leg Removal: Carefully separate the skin from the legs at the joints, ensuring you leave as much meat as possible attached to the carcass.
2. Cleaning the Hide:
- Removing Flesh and Fat: Once skinned, carefully scrape away any remaining flesh and fat from the hide using a dull knife or a flesher. Thoroughness here is crucial to prevent decay.
- Washing: Rinse the hide gently with cool water to remove any remaining debris. Avoid using hot water, which can damage the hide.
Tanning the Squirrel Hide
Tanning is the crucial process of converting the hide from perishable skin to durable leather. There are various methods, but here’s a common approach suitable for beginners:
1. Salt Curing:
- Liberal Salting: Liberally cover the hide, both inside and out, with non-iodized salt. This draws out moisture and helps preserve the hide.
- Drying: Allow the hide to dry completely, usually for several days, depending on the weather. The hide is ready for the next stage when it feels stiff and leathery.
2. Brain Tanning (Optional, but recommended for a softer hide):
This traditional method uses the squirrel's own brain matter as a natural tanning agent. Note: Always wear gloves and appropriate eye protection during this process.
- Brain Preparation: Carefully remove the brain from the squirrel's skull. Mix the brain matter with a small amount of water until it forms a paste.
- Application: Gently work the brain paste into the hide, ensuring even coverage.
- Drying and Softening: Allow the hide to dry completely, then carefully work it by hand to soften the leather. This may involve stretching and flexing the hide.
3. Commercial Tanning Solutions (Alternative):
If you prefer a simpler method, commercially available tanning solutions can be used following the manufacturer’s instructions. These often provide quicker results but may not produce the same softness as brain tanning.
Finishing and Storage
Once tanned, the squirrel hide needs final preparation for storage and potential use.
1. Softening:
- Oil Treatment: After tanning, apply a neutral oil (such as neatsfoot oil or mink oil) to soften the leather. Work the oil in evenly and allow it to absorb before storing the hide.
2. Storage:
- Proper Storage: Store the hide in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area to prevent mold and mildew growth. Ideally, use airtight containers or bags.
Important Considerations:
- Legality: Ensure you are legally allowed to harvest and preserve the squirrel hide in your region. Regulations vary by location.
- Safety: Always prioritize safety when handling sharp tools and working with animal byproducts.
- Patience: Hide preservation is a time-consuming process. Patience and attention to detail are key to achieving satisfactory results.
By following these steps carefully, you can successfully preserve your squirrel hide and enjoy this beautiful and unique piece of nature for years to come. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't flawless. The experience is part of the learning process.
