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How to Salt Deer Hides

Animals are often hunted because of the meat they provide; however, there is much more to a carcass than the edible parts. Since the beginning of humanity, people have used the hides, bones and other parts of animal bodies to make clothing, decorations and even shelters. Modern hide-tanning is not a necessity for survival, but is popular among hunters, collectors and other enthusiasts. One of the most important parts of the tanning process is salting the hide. By doing this, you cause the fluids to drain from it, which begins to dry it out in order to keep it from decomposing or attracting pests.

Things You'll Need

Salt (technical grade or non-iodized)
Large, flat work space

Instructions

- 1
  Spread the skinned hide on your work suface. Place it so that the side with hair faces down, or touches your work surface.
- 2
  Heavily salt the skin side of your hide. For every pound of hide, you should put about one pound of salt. The layer of salt should be almost an inch thick.
- 3
  Fill in any cuts, crevices or wrinkles with salt. Every inch of flesh must be covered.
- 4
  Let the hide sit for one to three days, until the salt becomes saturated with moisture.
- 5
  Repeat the salting process to remove the remaining fluids from the skin.
- 6
  Let the salt drain the moisture from the hide for 10 days to two full weeks.
- 7
  Tilt your hide just enough to create an easy escape path for the draining fluids.
- 8
  Hang your hide in a protected area, such as a garage or shed, if it is still not completely dry and your hide will be ready to tan once it dries.

Animals & Science