I see that the tanning outlets sell calcium hydroxide powder to help de-hair hides. Is that the same as hydrated lime? Curious if it's something I can find down at the feed mill. A few months back I posted about de-hairing a possum to make leather. I soaked it in wood ashes and used a paint scraper. Took a long time, but it looks decent. Just wondering if there's a better way for when I get to bigger critters like deer.

A quick Google search will answer your question, not trying to be a smart arse, but taking a little effort on your part can make life easier!

No offense taken garart. I'd researched it, just curious if anyone else had used it from a place like the local feed mill. Seems like it comes in different consistencies from powedered to granular, some with additives some without, all for different end uses.

It will loosen the hair on a deer hide, but I generally use hardwood ashes as I have them available.