How to Adjust My Squirrel Skins

Tanning

• 1

  Fill a large, wide-mouthed jar with half turpentine and half dishwashing soap. Add enough of both solutions to cover the squirrel skin.

• 2

  Drop the squirrel skin into the solution. Screw on the jar lid.

• 3

  Remove the lid and stir the solution, with the skin in it, each day.

• 4

  Remove the squirrel skin from the jar after 7 to 10 days.

• 5

  Wash the skin with dishwashing liquid to remove the turpentine. Then rinse the skin several times to get rid of the soap.

• 6

  Ring the squirrel skin dry. When the skin is partly dry, proceed to the next section.

Stretching

• 7

  Mix 1 oz. of sulfated neatsfoot oil and warm water, and 3/8 oz. of household ammonia in a bowl.

• 8

  Place the skin on a flat surface. Pour half the solution onto the fur and spread it evenly throughout with your hands. Allow the solution to sit for 30 minutes. Then pour the other half of the solution onto the squirrel skin and spread it evenly throughout.

• 9

  Allow the skin to sit under a sheet of plastic overnight.

• 10

  Turn the squirrel skin so the fur is on the inside.

• 11

  Slip the squirrel skin over the nose of a stretching board.

• 12

  Center the pelt on the board so the tail is opposite the front legs.

• 13

  Push the nose of the board against a wall, and pull the end of the squirrel pelt toward you. Work the skin in all directions, stretching it from corner to corner. This will help to adjust and stretch the hide.

• 14

  Hammer the tail on the board with No. 6 finishing nails. Then add nails around the circumference of the skin every 5 to 6 inches.

• 15

  Allow the squirrel skin to dry for three to four days. Keep the room temperature at 55° F. Wipe excess oil and grease from the fur with a dry cloth every two days.