I’m having trouble fleshing some snowshoe hares.
I skinned them yesterday then tried to flesh them right away. But the hide kept ripping.
I was using my fingers to peel the tissue and after a few holes sprung up I tried very lightly using a fleshing knife.
Obviously that didn’t work.
The hide seemed in mint condition while skinning and I didn’t notice any problems.
But I couldn’t get it to stop ripping.
Is there something I’m supposed to do before fleshing on rabbits?
Would it help fleshing when their more frozen?
I did some domestic rabbits a few years back and was following a video where she started pickle tanning then fleshed then put them in a pickle again.
And I had no problems with holes, does a pickle help toughen it? Or was that just a tougher rabbit hide.

Snowshoe hares have very thin skin. Domestic rabbit skin is much thicker. Don't flesh, just tan and see how that goes.

Cottontails have very thin skin too, they're difficult to flesh but most don't need fleshing.

Would freezing them first, then thawing out. Would that separate the limited fat and flesh some? I know it helps with my coons, but they hace heavy hides.

Bryce

Call your tannery or a tannery and ask them how they would like them sent in !

Ok thank you I will try it

I tan snowshoe hare winter skins.
They have very thin skins.
I tan them with the saddles on like spring rats.