Just as confused as I was before posting this. I guess it's a highly debated topic here as well. "You need salt, you don't need salt...."


I don't understand the rationale of the salt drying out the ears nose etc quicker. If salt doesn't really "set the hair" then I see no reason to use it. You're supposed to salt after fleshing and turning the ears. If they are already turned what time is salting buying? Straight to the pickle seems like it would be quicker and safer?

Honestly air drying outside seems like it would be far quicker. All taxidermy directions say salting is a 2-3 day process where you leave it rolled up at an angle to drain fluids. Putting them on a wire stretcher with airflow has to be quicker.



Maybe this will help. I want to home tan garment style pelts at home using Rittels EZ100 garment tan.


Would you air dry, salt, or go straight to the pickle after fleshing without either?

If you go straight to the pickle I see no reason to salt. I have been a taxidermist for 25 years and have only had I hide slip. It was a coon that the guy had in his truck for a week. It might be horrible advice but it works for me.

If you are going to tan it, I would flesh it when it is freshly skinned, turn the ears, split the lips and start with a good clean skin.