Curing is the process of applying salt to the flesh side of a large animal hide in order to extract moisture from it. Curing protects the hide from attracting insects and spoiling. Failure to cure can lead to hair slippage, or hair loss, later on when bacteria inevitably damage the uncured hide. Curing also helps the hide to accept tannins later on in the tanning process. You only need to cure hides from large game. You can dry a small game hide simply by hanging it.
Instructions
1. Weigh the animal hide on a hanging scale. This will determine how much salt you need.
2. Spread the hide out on a flat surface with the hair side facing down.
3. Measure out 1 pound of salt for every pound of hide. Sprinkle fresh salt on the flesh side of the hide.
4. Rub the salt all over the hide, paying close attention to cut edges, the neck, legs and any wrinkles.
5. Repeat this process after two to three days. The hide will have begun to expel moisture during this time. When it feels moist to the touch, reapply salt.
6. Position the hide on a flat surface set at a slight tilt so any liquids can drain from it. Expect a dry, cured hide in 10 to 14 days.
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