How to Tan Squirrel Fur

Alcohol and Turpentine Tanning

• 1

  Clean and prepare the hide. Be sure it is free of flesh and grease. In general, hides should also be salted to preserve them, prevent spoilage and deter flies.

• 2

  Mix equal parts wood alcohol and turpentine in the large-mouthed gallon jug. Only mix enough solution -- about a half a pint of each -- to cover the fur to be tanned.

• 3

  Immerse the fur in the solution. Secure the lid tightly. Let the fur soak for seven to 10 days, stirring the solution occasionally because the alcohol and turpentine will separate.

• 4

  Remove the fur after about 10 days. Wash it in mild soap and water to remove the turpentine, alcohol and any grease released from the skin.

• 5

  Squeeze the fur and allow it to partly dry. Don't wring the fur dry because this will damage it. The fur is ready to be oiled and finished.

Brain Tanning

• 6

  Prepare the tanning solution. Mix 1 pound of brains per 2 gallons of water. When tanning at home, pig or horse brains may be used and are usually available at a butcher shop. The squirrel's own brains may be used when tanning in the wild. Immerse the fur in the solution soon after the fur is properly prepared and allow to soak overnight.

• 7

  Remove the fur from the solution. Either stretch it over a stretching frame or nail it to a large wooden board to allow it to dry properly. If using a wooden board, use a wooden tool such as the canoe paddle to slowly work the water from the fur by stretching it downward.

• 8

  Smoke the fur. Once it is dry, smoke the fur for several hours in a smokehouse or use semi-rotten wood to produce a smoking campfire over which you can hang the fur. The semi-rotten wood will also produce low heat, which is ideal because you don't want to overheat the fur. Smoking the fur will make it more durable, after which you can oil and finish the fur.