How to Tan a Grey Squirrel

Clean away any tissue, fat and membranes from the flesh side of the skin. Use the serrated knife with enough pressure to remove this material. Tissue matter that is difficult to remove can remain and be removed after soaking.

Soak skin in cool water until it begins to soften. This will take about 2 hours. Remove skin from water and finish scraping tissue, membranes and fat until the skin is thoroughly clean. Return the skin to soak in lukewarm water. Add 1 oz. of baking soda to the water. Stir skin several times and remove.

Scrape the skin again to remove any remaining tissue material. This step also removes dirt and debris loosened in the soaking treatment. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Squeeze to remove excess water. Do not wring the skin.

Mix together a 1/2 pint of turpentine and a 1/2 pint of wood alcohol into the gallon jar. Place the skin into the jar. The skin must be submerged in the mixture. If there is not enough mixture to cover the hide, add equal parts of the turpentine and wood alcohol until the hide is fully submerged.

Seal the jar firmly with the lid. Shake the jar once a day for 7 to 10 days.

Remove the skin from the mixture. Apply a small amount of soap or detergent to the hide. Lightly rub to wash the turpentine mixture off the hide. Rinse thoroughly.

Squeeze the hide to remove excess water. Do not twist or wring the hide. Allow the skin to air dry only until damp.

Apply the fat liquor oil to the flesh side of the skin. Spread with a paintbrush until the entire skin is covered. Leave for 30 minutes. Apply a second coat of the fat liquor oil. Cover the skin with plastic wrap and let it sit overnight.