How To Tan an Elk - DIY Hide Fleshing and Tanning

[@criscavi19]

Great job! Thanks for teaching us how to tanning animal skin.

[@Glaciershark]

I guess I won’t complain so much about the bill from the taxidermist next time 😅

[@jimkc1608]

Solid content. Looks like you might have done this a few times and it shows in the teaching points you make throughout the video. Years ago I tanned a lot of furbearer hides and did pretty well but would like to bring an elk hide back from my annual elk hunt and give it a try. Best video on the topic I have found. Thanks!

[@TanningYourHide]

Jim, thank you for the feedback. Yes, we tried to cover all the steps and tricks, especially for the first time tanner. Thrilled to hear you will save your hide and tan it!

[@kingpin9172]

Great video! I’m definitely interested in the predator hide preparation. Thanks again for the great easy to following directions.

[@TanningYourHide]

We are glad the video was helpful.

[@hailanj]

This has been the most informative and helpful video - thank you! I watched this countless times thinking I might dodgey my first effort at a chital deer hide - but really thanks to this I didn't and it was a success! THANK YOU!

[@TanningYourHide]

So thrilled to hear that Hannah!

[@kevinmorace6117]

Thank you for this detailed tutorial…👍👍👍

[@TanningYourHide]

We are glad you liked it!

[@strale216]

This is the best video on this topic. But what is the thing acros your eyes?

[@One_trippy_hippie]

This is an amazing tanning tutorial! My one question is what should I do to get rid of the artificial oil from the fur, after I've oiled the hide then let it dry? It won't dry out because of all the oil in the fur and I don't know what to do

[@TanningYourHide]

Glad the video was helpful! If there is oil in the hair, use a soapy wash cloth to remove it. If needed, you can lightly run the hair side under water, try not to wet the flesh side as you will need to re-break the hide to keep it soft.

[@One_trippy_hippie]

@TanningYourHide thank you so much!

[@lilliemcculloch618]

Great video! If unable to complete the entire process when the hides are fresh, can they be thoroughly salted, then hung up and kept that way until ready to begin the rehydration/detergent bath?

[@TanningYourHide]

Yes, the hide can be heavily salted and air dried. This will keep for several months, so you can get to tanning it within that time frame.

[@rosierose7955]

Amazing job on the Elk Hide. What would happen if you put your hide into too hot water. Eg: Moose hide. After the flesh n hair have been removed. Soaking at the last stage before smoothing out then to tanning stage. What will the hot water do to the hide? Thanks

[@TanningYourHide]

You are tanning Buckskin - nice! We recommend avoiding putting hides in hot water as it will damage the hide causing irreversible swelling and make the hide rubbery.

[@rosierose7955]

Thank you. I guess that’s what happened. I will have to resoak the hide again.

[@bigred35089]

Great video great info. Thank you but really hard to take seriously with a 2/4 thru both eyebrows.

[@josephsollender8487]

Ah you make it look so easy well done Sir.

[@henryshearman5550]

That was a brilliant video, I've learnt a lot, thankyou for making and posting it, much respect.

[@TanningYourHide]

Thank you Henry! We are glad it helped you.

[@jacksellers4412]

@@TanningYourHidehow h for this kit and will it work on Buffalo?

[@TanningYourHide]

@@jacksellers4412 The Tan-a-Hide Kit is $149.00 and yes, it will tan up to a good medium to large size bison (buffalo) hide.

[@bent5434]

For breaking the hide you can also run it over a lightly dulled ahe/hatchet in a vice

[@TanningYourHide]

Ben, yes, that is a good tip! We have several customers who use this method on hides and fur skins and they say it works great!

[@roncadenhead9650]

I just completed my first tanning of a deer hide with hair off for buckskin. I used the traditional dulled fleshing knife and I want to commend you for your masterful skill with that sharp Ulu knife. That is amazing watching you flesh the elk. Should we assume that you only use the Advanced Tanning Solutions kit for your tanning videos? I am curious what the reasons are for two of the steps, the salting, and the pickling. This question is in regard to what do the steps do to the hide.

[@TanningYourHide]

Ron, thank you for your comment. Agreed, Rick does a great job using the fleshing/shaving tool on the elk hide. Yes, he is using our Advanced Tanning Solutions products. In this case, showcasing our new Tan-a-Hide kit. To answer your questions, the purpose of salting the hides is to draw the moisture out (blood and fluids) and prevent the hide from degrading. The Pickle Tan product included in the kit is unique as it is both a Pickle and a Tan. The Pickle step shown here has several purposes: it washes out the non-tannable proteins, helps to set the hair (for hair-on tanning), and makes shaving easier.

[@davidbradley3074]

Nice. I want too tan a hide but also, to stretch / bind it in a circular ring of willow bows. When during or after the tanning process should I tie it with leather strapping to the willow bows?

[@maukarush9781]

Awesome instructional! I was sold on your product immediately and received my order. My question is how long does it usually take for the tanning solution to absorb into a bear hide. A little background. I defleshed it as good as I could get it. Pickled it following your directions. Due to weather and unable to do it undercover I’ve been waiting for a nice sunny week so it’s been soaking for about a month. PH was a little above 3. Last night I soaked it in baking soda water to bring the PH levels up to neutralize. Did this for an hour and a half. Then I dried it out best I could but due to it being cold here in Oregon (around 55 degrees) I pat dried best I could and let it sit for 2 hours to dry out but it was still a little moist. Applied the tanning solution last night around 10 pm. Just checked it, 9pm now, and it’s still moist. My question how long should I expect the tanning solution to absorb and take hold???? I’m worried I did something wrong. Can it usually take 48 hrs do to it being cold out??? When do I accept that something went wrong??? This is my first hide I’ve ever done. I taught myself how to shoot a firearm, went out hunting for spring bear solo putting in over a 100 miles during season and took my bear at 20 yds. So it would really mean a lot that I complete the process on this bear and tan it myself. I know it sounds silly but to me it means a lot. Thanks in advance

[@TanningYourHide]

First, thank you for watching and using our products. Do you have the Tan-a-Hide kit or the Tan-a-Fur kit? For the products to be most effective and to have the best results, the full tanning process should be done in a warm area. Was the skin salted? When you have a chance, give us a call so we can talk about the condition of the skin and help you finish the tanning process, 303.642.3060

[@matthewghardy]

When you mention "dust" at 1:03:30 is this residual, dehydrated tanning chemical? I notice you were diligent about wearing a mask with the liquid baths, but nothing when the vacuum/blower was sending things airborne. Is the hide safe for kids to handle?

[@TanningYourHide]

The dust if any, is baking soda on the hair from the bath when the pH was raised. You can absolutely wear the mask that is included in the kit for this optional step. The finish hide is safe to handle, how would children be using it?

[@matthewghardy]

@@TanningYourHide Thank you for the prompt response! If we used it as a rug or cover for the back of a couch, my children would be playing or laying on it. I'm at the oiling step now after raising the pH in the A-21 solution. Since there is no further "rinse" after being in the acidi, I was just concerned it might still have caustic properties. Looking more closely, pH of 4.5 is no stronger than coffee, so not really a concern. Thank you for the great support and excellent video demonstrations.

[@Manzanitamystic]

Thank you!!! I’m so glad I finally found your channel! I’m doing my first cowhide ever! First hide is a cowhide of course! I couldn’t find the process from start to finish!

[@TanningYourHide]

Glad you liked the video. Tip on the larger hides like cow, be sure to use the angle grinder to shave it thin. This will help the tan penetrate better and make the hide easier to break (and keep it soft).

[@kristina5168]

What type of grinder disc do you use on the hides. There are so many options. I was gifted 4 cowhides nd a first timer. Your fleshing beam has made all the difference. I have all 4 fleshed and salted and starting next steps this week with your system.

[@ambernave9313]

Can you reuse salt for another hide?

[@TanningYourHide]

No, its best to use fresh salt so it's not soaked with fluids drawn out from the previous hide.

[@joanhamilton7233]

Hi great video I have learnt a lot, however i just purchased the one gallon bottle of the NuTan salution I want to do hair off can you do a video on that it would be greatly appreciated

[@TanningYourHide]

Yes, we will be doing a video on hair off tanning using our new product, "Hide Hair Removal" and NuTan.

[@connerallred7829]

Could you do a video on tanning a cased coyote? I could easily follow a video done by this guy. Also if I buy a kit is it something that I can replace individual parts as I need to off of the site? Rather than continually buying the kit

[@TanningYourHide]

We are working on a video tanning a cased/tubed skinned raccoon. Yes, you can get replacement products - reach out to us when you are ready.

[@connerallred7829]

@@TanningYourHide okay so that would be the same process for a coyote? And will do

[@TanningYourHide]

@@connerallred7829 Yes, very similar process and they are both tubed skinned.

[@ConfidentialKennels]

If I build a frame and stretch the hide will I need to do the final step to break the hide down ?

[@TanningYourHide]

There are pros and cons to putting a hide in a frame - if you do, put it in after it has been tanned and oiled. It will dry flat, but you are unable to really work it. You can rub something coarse like sandpaper or a dull tool over the flesh side to help break it.

[@bryanlangevin7880]

Man that was solid! Great job man. Now I feel so much better about what I'm doing. Question what kind of stool or bench was it that you used to place your hide on when fleshing. Again great job.

[@TanningYourHide]

Yes, Rick does a good job of explaining the steps. Glad it was helpful! The hide is being fleshed and shaved on one of our "fleshing beams".

[@EchoatTheOakAnchor]

Like...a moo cow. I love it. Thank you for your thorough tutorial.

[@dethmaul]

For rehydrating, is the detergent special? I assume dawn dish soap won't do anythging?

[@TanningYourHide]

Our Detergent SR-11 is an effective cleaner and mild degreaser for hides. Depending how dirty the hides are, Dawn can be used to help clean.

[@dethmaul]

Thanks! Your kit came in last week, I'm draining right now after rehydrating! On garbage bags on the floor because it's 23 outside.

[@TanningYourHide]

@@dethmaul Happy to hear you are doing the tanning process in a warm area - this is key to having the products work properly and getting a quality end result.

[@dethmaul]

@@TanningYourHide Right on!

[@hannahpopanz48]

How many days is it ok to take for the stretching?

[@TanningYourHide]

Try to stretch and break the hide before it completely dries. If the hide dries too fast before you have a chance to work it, you can lightly wet it down with water and re-work it. This will keep it soft.

[@williamgregory6684]

Can you use the same salt for rehydration?? Could you use a hair dryer to dry out the hide when pearling??

[@TanningYourHide]

If you mean the same salt from salting the fleshed hide, then no - you want to shake off the used salt and discard it. Use new salt in your baths.

[@cliffbaxter5180]

Great video, very informative. I am currently doing an elk hide and I fleshed it with a pressure washer. I hung it on a ladder to drain. The center of the hide is slightly stretched from being on the ladder. I salted it as described and wondered if the stretched portion would return to normal as I continued the process. Thank you

[@TanningYourHide]

We've done that before too. :) Yes, you can get it to lay flat again, keep stretching it and flattening it out during each step. When you hang it to drain before shaving and oiling, put it over a pole or bar between 2 ladders and periodically adjust it so it won't get those creases.

[@cliffbaxter5180]

@@TanningYourHide Excellent, thank you very much.

[@cliffbaxter5180]

In the event we don't have that pickle powder. Do you have a recipe for it?

[@cliffbaxter5180]

Also, should I be checking the Ph periodically? I've heard to keep it under 2.

[@TanningYourHide]

@@cliffbaxter5180 ​ The "Pickle Tan" that is included in the kit is a pickle and then later a tan in the same bath. The pH on other pickles will depend upon which one you use. You can call us if you have additional questions.

[@steven-adamski]

Great job!

[@TanningYourHide]

Thank you for watching!

[@davidpalmer9740]

Interesting method, as a taxidermist for 40 years, I'm surprised that you end up with any hair left salting lightly and not totally drying the hide but I guess it works for you!

[@ericagibbs3938]

Hey is it ok if you skipped the second 24hour pickle bath and did the tanning bath for longer?

[@TanningYourHide]

It is recommended to put the shaved hide back into the Pickle Tan bath for 24 hours so that it will absorb the rest of the tan. After that time, you can adjust the pH and soak it for the allotted time - this will set the tan in the hide.

[@josephsollender8487]

I drew a cow elk hunt this year and in addition to having a bunch of delicious elk I want to tan the hide as well if I get one how do I order one n of these kits?

[@TanningYourHide]

Good luck! The Tan-a-Hide kits are available on our website, Amazon and select Scheels stores.

[@brianvandevanter367]

How much is the kit?

[@TanningYourHide]

The kit is $149.95 + shipping. They are available on our website, Amazon and select Scheels stores.

[@chrisc3433]

I have a deer hide in the freezer. I never salted it...just rolled it up and threw it in the freezer. Do you think it's salvageable?

[@TanningYourHide]

Chris, as long as the hide isn't freezer burned, you can thaw it out slowly and go through the tanning process.

[@ventureofalifetime8282]

Is there any pickling solution I can use and make at home? I bought your tanning agent. Not sire if thats all I need or not

[@TanningYourHide]

Kolby, for the tanning kit, the pickling product is included. If you are using our NuTan, the directions describe a simple pickle bath to make at home. Thank you.

[@lanekimbro3115]

So thorough and helpful!!!!

[@markmackey2138]

How do I join your forum

[@JesusisHere777]

Can you use a power washer and get it done well?

[@TanningYourHide]

We have not personally used a power washer to flesh a hide, but we do have customers who have and they have reported that it works. Just be careful to not get the stream too strong as to damage the hide or remove the hair.

[@JesusisHere777]

@@TanningYourHide thank you. I'm having one shipped here from Alaska, frozen. It will be thawing out when it arrives. What is the best order to do things in? Pickle it immediately? Then power wash? Do I need to salt it ? Thank you

[@TanningYourHide]

@@JesusisHere777 Power wash first to remove the meat, fat, and membrane, then go ahead and follow the other steps: salt, rehydrate, pickle, shave - some people power wash again vs. shaving with a tool, but this many not get the hide thin enough (you can try it). After shaving, then tan and oil. The full instructions are included.

[@davardavari7977]

Hi ,I did not understand what the oil was?And what is its other name pickle tan?

[@TanningYourHide]

The tan is our Pickle Tan A-21 and the swabbing oil to soften, is Hide Oil.

[@rancayabyab6848]

I hunted an elk last year and i did took the hide home but the taxidermist did not want to do it. I just left it hanging outside. I am so bummed i did not do your process here. Sorry about that. But next time i want to find someone to do it for me. Thanks for the content!

[@TanningYourHide]

Ran, thank you for the reply. Yes, so many hides and skins get wasted - for sure you can tan the next one you get - we'll walk you through it!

[@markmackey2138]

I've used karrowtann and the stuff in the orange bottle and worked hides until they felt dry to me and still ended up stiff what to do?

[@TanningYourHide]

Mark, thank you for watching the video. Regarding the tan itself, we cannot speak for how other products work, as we do not know how they are formulated. The stiffness could be the result of several factors: not shaved thin enough, not pickled long enough, dried too quick, and/or not worked enough to break the fibers.

[@johnmallette3143]

Tkzz for sharing.,,.,peace

[@Foxdie503]

The flesh side of my hide starting drying and getting stiff when fleshing. It made it very difficult to flesh it. Is there anything I can do to fix/prevent this in the future?

[@TanningYourHide]

Yes, you can lightly spray or sponge the flesh side with water then fold it flesh side to flesh side until it is pliable.

[@jphillips8813]

What are you using for a fleshing beam?

[@TanningYourHide]

Rick is using a hardwood fleshing beam 7" x 58". Stay tuned on our website for these to be offered soon.

[@Foxdie503]

@@TanningYourHide any update on selling these?

[@TanningYourHide]

@@Foxdie503 Yes! Perfect timing as we are listing them on our website this week. You can call us if you would like one sooner.

[@MrSpider182]

I do braintanning now. But I used to do hides this way except when dirt & dust & powder are in the hair I would cut holes along one side & then attach it to pole like a flag & go for a drive, people would stare wonder why I have a bison flag in back of truck, helps breaking hide too. Don’t go to fast tho.

[@TanningYourHide]

That does sound like an interesting and clever way to break a large hide!

[@davidpalmer9740]

This is a very detailed tutorial on how NOT to tan a hide. You can see the loss of guard hairs(especially on the hind quarters)and how stiff the hide is. Use an actual tan or save your time and money and send it to a tannery

[@TanningYourHide]

David, thank you for your comments. I am replying to all 3 here. First, this elk hide was heavily salted until there was no more moisture pulled out. Since we planned on tanning it right away, we did not completely dry salt it. Pickle Tan A-21 is very much a tan. It is a powder blend developed to be used as a pickle and tan in one bath. Yes, a new concept from traditional tanning. Our founder, Dale Knobloch, worked with commercial tanneries to test and fine tune this innovative product. Yes clearly, the hide is not as soft as it would be if it was tumbled in a commercial drum with wood shavings (one of these is on my wish list). However, this video is targeted for the DIY tanner, so breaking a hide in a tumbler is generally not an option. An elk especially, takes A LOT of elbow grease. Last comment, this hide was tanned 2 years ago and does not have any slippage. It was our son's first elk, so some of the areas you may be referring to could be from being dragged (in the high rugged Colorado terrain) prior to skinning/dressing. Since you do tanning and taxidermy, and would like to try Pickle Tan A-21, let me know.

[@davidpalmer9740]

@@TanningYourHide I've used pickle tans before, I just never liked the quality of the finished product. I've tanned several elk with Lutan and had very little trouble breaking them, stretching as they dry and a soft, supple hide as a finished product. I had to remount all the animals I mounted with pickle tans because of the shrinking and cracking after a few years. I'm not trying to knock your product, I'm just saying there are better, easier ways to get a quality tan

[@josephrogers8213]

How many man hours

[@TanningYourHide]

Joseph, a medium size elk backskin is estimated to take approx. 9-12 man hours total. The time could be shorter or longer depending upon the size of the hide and experience of the user. The total time is spread out over 1-2 weeks (which includes soak time in the different baths). The estimated man hours is broken out by: Fleshing = 1-2 hours, Salting = 1 hour (including prep time), Reyhdration Bath = 30 minutes, Cleaning (optional) = 30-45 minutes, Pickle Bath = 1 hour (including prep time), Shaving = 1-2 hours (using a wire wheel or angle grinder, longer for hand shaving), Tan Bath = 1 hour (with prep time), Oiling = 30 minutes, Breaking = 1-3 hours (broken up over several days as the hide dries).

[@josephrogers8213]

@@TanningYourHide thanks

[@TanningYourHide]

@@josephrogers8213 Of course. If you have questions on the process, we'd be happy to walk you through.

[@smokNmiras]

PAINT AND RUST STRIPPER DISC!!! sorry to yell.. but these open web style poly discs are many, many times faster and easier/more forgiving than normal grinding discs.. next best thing to a fleshing machine!!

[@TanningYourHide]

Ah, that is good advice and we will try that type of disc too - thank you!

[@smokNmiras]

@@TanningYourHide you won’t regret it. There was a VHS cassette released many years ago with this little gem in it. I can’t remember who released it and it’s very hard to find now but it’s absolute gold! Can easily shave down to blue for head mounts too! Plenty of taxidermists owe their start to how well poly discs work for thinning. Only problem is they fling material around your workshop🤦‍♂️🤣

[@aquafishsoup]

Ill be careful not to cut a hole in my hide.

[@TanningYourHide]

Yes, it happens!

[@davidpalmer9740]

You aren't actually tanning the hide, just pickling it and neutralizing it. It will eventually fall apart or get hard as a rock because the hide isn't actually leather without using an actual tanning solution. A real tan is a much better way to go if you want a quality hide that will stand the test of time