How to Make Raccoon Pelts

Making raccoon pelts is a rewarding and challenging experience. It requires patience, skill, and the right tools. The process of making a raccoon pelt begins with skinning the animal and ends with curing the hide. In between, there are several steps that must be followed in order to make a quality pelt. This article will explain the process of making a raccoon pelt from start to finish.

Overview of the Process

The process of making a raccoon pelt can be broken down into the following steps:

• Skinning the animal
• Fleshing the hide
• Salting the hide
• Stretching the hide
• Scraping the hide
• Tanning the hide
• Finishing the hide

Skinning the Animal

The first step in making a raccoon pelt is to skin the animal. This is a delicate process that requires a sharp knife and a steady hand. It is important to make sure that the skin is removed in one piece, without any tears or holes. The skin should be removed from the animal as quickly as possible, as this will help to preserve the fur.

Fleshing the Hide

Once the skin has been removed from the animal, it must be fleshed. This is the process of removing the fat and meat from the hide. This can be done by hand, with a fleshing knife, or with a fleshing machine. It is important to make sure that all of the fat and meat is removed, as this will help to prevent the hide from rotting.

Salting the Hide

Once the hide has been fleshed, it must be salted. This is done to help preserve the hide and prevent it from rotting. The hide should be covered in a thick layer of salt and left to sit for several days. This will help to draw out any remaining moisture and help to preserve the hide.

Stretching the Hide

Once the hide has been salted, it must be stretched. This is done to help the hide keep its shape and to make it easier to work with. The hide should be stretched over a frame and left to dry. This can take several days, depending on the size of the hide.

Scraping the Hide

Once the hide has been stretched, it must be scraped. This is done to remove any remaining fat and meat from the hide. This can be done by hand, with a fleshing knife, or with a fleshing machine. It is important to make sure that all of the fat and meat is removed, as this will help to prevent the hide from rotting.

Tanning the Hide

Once the hide has been scraped, it must be tanned. This is done to help preserve the hide and make it more durable. There are several different tanning methods that can be used, such as vegetable tanning, chrome tanning, and alum tanning. It is important to choose the right tanning method for the type of hide that is being tanned.

Finishing the Hide

Once the hide has been tanned, it must be finished. This is done to give the hide a smooth, even finish. This can be done by hand, with a fleshing knife, or with a fleshing machine. It is important to make sure that all of the fat and meat is removed, as this will help to prevent the hide from rotting.

Pro Tip

When making a raccoon pelt, it is important to use the right tools. A sharp knife, a fleshing knife, and a fleshing machine are all essential tools for making a quality pelt. It is also important to use the right tanning method for the type of hide that is being tanned.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make a raccoon pelt?

The process of making a raccoon pelt can take several days, depending on the size of the hide. The process begins with skinning the animal and ends with finishing the hide. In between, there are several steps that must be followed in order to make a quality pelt.

What tools are needed to make a raccoon pelt?

A sharp knife, a fleshing knife, and a fleshing machine are all essential tools for making a quality pelt. It is also important to use the right tanning method for the type of hide that is being tanned.