Getting Started: Preparing for the Task
Before you even consider the tanning process, proper preparation is paramount. Successful tanning begins long before the hide enters the tanning solution. It all starts with the careful handling of the coyote hide.
First, if you’re harvesting the hide yourself, a careful and precise skinning technique is critical. The goal is to avoid any cuts or tears in the hide, as these will significantly impact its quality after tanning. Use a sharp, dedicated skinning knife. Begin by making a cut down the inside of the legs, then continue up the belly, avoiding the genitals. The skin should be gently pulled away from the carcass, carefully separating it from the underlying tissue. This process requires patience and a steady hand. A dull knife will only make this task more difficult and increase the risk of accidentally slicing through the hide.
Secondly, after skinning, remove as much fat and meat as possible. This process, called fleshing, is absolutely essential. Fat and meat remnants will hinder the tanning process, and lead to a hide that doesn’t tan properly or that decomposes later. Use a fleshing knife or a blunt-edged tool to scrape away any remaining tissue. If you’re new to this process, start by placing the hide over a fleshing beam. This allows you to exert force without damaging the hide. Remove all the fat and meat, paying close attention to the areas around the legs, tail, and neck. A clean, well-fleshed hide is the foundation of successful tanning.
Thirdly, thoroughly wash the hide. Use cool water and a mild soap to remove any blood, dirt, and debris. Rinse thoroughly to ensure all soap residue is removed. The cleaner the hide is at this stage, the better the final product will be.
Fourth, the hide needs to be preserved before the tanning process. This usually involves salting. After fleshing and washing, generously apply salt to both sides of the hide. The salt draws out moisture, which inhibits bacterial growth and preserves the hide. Fold the hide flesh-to-flesh, and roll it up to prevent air exposure. Allow the hide to sit in salt for several days, up to a week, in a cool location. The salt will pull out the moisture and firm up the hide. The more effectively the hide is preserved before tanning, the more likely the entire process will lead to a beautifully tanned hide. After this process, most people choose to freeze the salted hide for later use. This helps preserve the hide and gives you time to prepare the chemicals or tools you’ll need for the tanning.
Tools and Materials: Assembling Your Arsenal
Before diving into the tanning process, assemble all the necessary tools and materials. This ensures you have everything at hand and avoids interruptions.
Essential Tools:
- Skinning Knife: Sharp and dedicated for this purpose.
- Fleshing Knife: Specialized for removing fat and meat, or a blunt-edged scraper.
- Buckets/Containers: For soaking, washing, and the tanning process itself.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from chemicals and bacteria.
- Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from splashes.
- Stirring Utensils: Non-reactive materials like wood or plastic.
- Fleshing Beam: A sturdy log or beam with a rounded top, essential for fleshing.
- Softening Tools: Like a wood beam, frame, or other material to soften the hide after tanning.
Essential Materials:
- Coyote Hide: Prepared as described above.
- Tanning Agent: Options include brains, alum, or a commercial tanning solution (More on this below).
- Salt: For initial preservation.
- Water: Clean, fresh water is vital.
- Optional: Soap: Mild soap for washing.
- Optional: Oil or Finishing Product: To soften and condition the finished hide.
The Tanning Journey: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now, the real work begins. With the hide prepared and your supplies gathered, it’s time to embark on the tanning process.
Rehydrating the Hide is the first step to prepare your hide for any tanning process. Depending on how long it has been salted and dried, the hide will need to be rehydrated. This involves soaking the hide in clean, cool water until it becomes pliable. The length of time it takes will depend on the level of dryness, but typically a few hours to a day will be sufficient. The goal is to get the hide back to a natural, workable state. Watch for the skin to become soft and supple; it will begin to feel moist and flexible. It should not feel stiff. During this step, the hide might need to be fleshed again if you see any additional remnants of fat or meat that were missed previously.
Choosing the Tanning Agent is one of the most critical decisions. You have various options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Brain Tanning
This traditional method uses the brains of animals (typically from the coyote itself or other large animals). Brains contain oils that naturally tan the hide, resulting in a soft, supple, and breathable leather. Preparation involves boiling the brains, creating an emulsion that is applied to the hide. This is a labor-intensive process, requiring constant handling and working of the hide. After the brain solution is applied, the hide is often worked and pulled. This process softens the hide. After this, the hide is ready to be smoke-cured. This can produce a very durable and beautiful outcome, but requires more effort than other methods.
Chemical Tanning
Chemical tanning uses various agents, such as alum or chrome, to tan the hide. Alum is a more gentle and natural choice, producing a softer, lighter-colored leather, while chrome tanning is faster and produces a more durable, water-resistant leather. The chemical is mixed with water, and the hide is soaked in the solution for a specific time. Follow the instructions carefully, as the concentration and soaking time are crucial for proper tanning. After tanning, the hide is rinsed to remove the chemicals.
Commercial Tanning Kits
These kits offer pre-mixed chemicals and instructions, often aimed at beginners. They simplify the process and provide relatively predictable results. The results can vary in terms of quality, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions meticulously for the best outcomes.
Working the Hide is essential for softening it. Regardless of the tanning method you choose, the hide will likely be stiff after tanning. To soften it, the hide must be physically worked. This can be done by stretching the hide over a beam, pulling it back and forth, or using a specialized softening machine. This breaks down the fibers, allowing the hide to become supple and pliable. The more you work the hide, the softer it will become. It is a time consuming process, but well worth the effort.
Drying and Finishing is the final step. Once the hide has been tanned and softened, it must be dried. The way you dry the hide also affects the final product. Stretch the hide tightly and secure it to a frame or hang it. The aim is to prevent the hide from shrinking or wrinkling as it dries. As it dries, continue to work the hide to maintain its softness. After drying, the hide can be further refined with oils or finishing products. This adds to the softness and weather resistance, and ultimately protects the newly created hide.
Common Roadblocks and How to Navigate Them
Even with careful preparation, problems can arise. Learning how to address them is part of the tanning process.
- Rotting or Hair Slippage: This indicates improper preparation, excessive moisture, or bacterial growth. The hide could have been improperly preserved. Ensure all traces of fat and meat are removed, and the hide is fully dry before processing. If hair slippage occurs, stop the tanning process immediately.
- Stiff Hide: Insufficient working after tanning or a lack of proper rehydration are common causes. Re-tanning and further working are necessary.
- Uneven Tanning: Uneven chemical distribution or inconsistencies in the application are the culprits. This can be caused by an improperly mixed tanning solution, or by areas where the tanning agent was not evenly applied.
Safety First: Prioritizing Well-Being
Tanning involves potentially hazardous materials and processes. Prioritize safety at all times. Wear gloves and eye protection to protect yourself from chemicals and bacteria. Work in a well-ventilated area, and be cautious about inhaling fumes. Dispose of tanning solutions and waste products properly, according to local regulations.
The Reward: A Testament to Skill and Perseverance
Tanning a coyote hide is a challenging but immensely rewarding undertaking. It requires patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn. But the end result—a beautifully tanned hide, transformed from a raw material to something of enduring value—is a testament to your skill and perseverance. From the soft touch of the finished product to the pride of crafting something by hand, the rewards of this endeavor are both tangible and profound.
Resources for Further Exploration
Online resources and videos.
