Salt alum tanning.

Have a beaver in the solution right now going on 2 days. Question is I have a few spots in the hide that aren't white yet. Is this normal I know it hasn't beeñ in long planning on a 5 day soak.
Did a deer and and some coon this way 20 + years ago but can't remember they progressed any more.
Hide was fleshed then salted for 6 days. Rehydrateed for a couple hours and placed in the solution.
Solution is 2 lbs alum and 5 lbs salt to 10 gallons of water

Sorry I don't have an answer to your question but does this tanning solution take the hair off or is it a hair on type of tan?
Thanks Griz

Hair on. It was starting to look better yesterday. I might just be too impatient. Tail seems to be taking good also. Guess I'll find out how it turns out in a couple days.

Yeah it can take a while to fully go through the pelt. make sure your aggitating multiple times a day. have you checked your PH? that doesnt sound like enough alum for 10 gal

Is the recipe I used years ago from the book Back to basics. Also agrees withe the field and stream article on how to tan a deer hide. Only two references I could find that agreed
article link

Will this work on coon?
I am hopping to catch a few to teach some Jr High boys how to tan them and make coon skin hats.
Thank you for any reply's

Supposed to turn white when you break the hide, not really in the pickle itself.

Yes works well coon. This one was tanned about 25 years ago when I was in junior high with nothing but the book to follow

Another thing if the hide isn't turning white, you probably didn't get it degreased enough.

Out of the solution and getting oiled. Think I have a couple ify spots but will procede and see what happens.

nice, let us know how it turns out

Very cool! I'm intending on making my own leathers and tanned hides from here onward unless fur prices rise significantly.

Years ago I did tan my season catch of muskrats and coon using an acid tan method. I still have one of those tanned rat skins.

There's just nothing like tanned fur IMHO, besides I need to make another hat for myself.

I'm thinking coyote.

Finished product. Not the softest but is just a wall hanger

very nice, love the presentation! i also really like the tail left on, i might try that with my next one i do.
BTW for wall hanger i never break them, just dry on the board and hang. i prefer for them to keep some shape while hanging