The thrill of a successful squirrel hunt often leads to the desire to preserve the hide for future use, whether for crafting, taxidermy, or simply as a keepsake. However, curing a squirrel hide correctly requires careful attention to detail. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from initial preparation to final storage, ensuring you achieve a supple, lasting hide.
Preparing the Squirrel Hide for Curing
Before you begin the curing process, proper preparation is crucial. This stage significantly impacts the final quality of the hide.
1. Skinning the Squirrel:
The method of skinning directly affects the hide's condition. A clean, careful skinning process minimizes damage and ensures a pristine starting point. Numerous online resources and videos demonstrate proper squirrel skinning techniques; it's highly recommended to familiarize yourself with these before beginning. Remember, sharp tools are essential for a clean cut.
2. Fleshing the Hide:
Once skinned, the hide must be thoroughly fleshed. This involves removing all remaining fat, muscle tissue, and connective tissue from the hide's flesh side. A dull blade or knife can damage the hide, so use a sharp fleshing knife or even a specialized fleshing beam for a smoother process. Thorough fleshing is critical; any remaining flesh will attract insects and bacteria, leading to hide spoilage.
Choosing a Curing Method: Salt vs. Borax
Several methods exist for curing squirrel hides, but the two most common are salt curing and borax curing. Each possesses advantages and disadvantages.
Salt Curing:
Salt curing is a traditional method, effective and relatively simple. It involves completely covering the flesh side of the hide with generous amounts of non-iodized salt. The salt draws out moisture, preventing decay.
Pros: Widely available, relatively inexpensive.
Cons: Can be time-consuming; requires careful monitoring to prevent over-salting or under-salting.
Borax Curing:
Borax is a naturally occurring mineral that acts as a preservative. Like salt curing, it draws out moisture and inhibits bacterial growth.
Pros: Often considered faster than salt curing, can help prevent insect infestation.
Cons: Requires careful handling as borax can be irritating to the skin. May not be suitable for all crafting purposes.
The Curing Process: Step-by-Step Guide (Using Salt Curing)
This guide details the salt-curing process. Adaptations for borax curing are noted below.
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Laying Out the Hide: Place the fleshed squirrel hide, flesh-side up, on a clean, dry surface.
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Applying the Salt: Liberally cover the entire flesh side with non-iodized salt. Ensure that all areas are thoroughly coated. For a larger squirrel hide, you may need to add salt over several days.
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Allowing for Curing: Allow the hide to cure for several days. The curing time depends on factors like the hide's size, temperature, and humidity. Regularly check for excessive moisture, and add more salt as needed. Typical curing time ranges from three to seven days.
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Checking for Dryness: The hide is cured when it feels dry and stiff to the touch.
Post-Curing and Storage
After curing, the hide must be properly stored. The following steps ensure the hide remains in good condition for future use:
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Washing the Hide: Once the curing is complete, gently wash off the salt with cool water.
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Softening the Hide: After washing, you can gently work the hide to restore its suppleness. You can use various oils (like neatsfoot oil) to soften the hide, but this step depends on your planned use for the cured hide.
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Storage: Store the cured and softened hide in a cool, dry place, preferably away from direct sunlight or excessive humidity. Wrapping the hide in breathable fabric can help maintain its condition.
Borax Curing Adaptation
For borax curing, substitute borax for salt in the above steps. The ratio is generally 1 part borax to 4 parts salt for best results. Remember to wear gloves when handling borax.
Conclusion
Curing a squirrel hide is a rewarding process that allows you to preserve a piece of your hunting experience. By following these steps carefully and choosing the appropriate method, you can achieve a high-quality hide that's ready for your next crafting project. Remember that patience and attention to detail are key to success in this process. Always prioritize safety when working with sharp tools and potentially irritating chemicals.
