Squirrel Hide Usage?

[Robert Egler]

I tan them myself.

 

[Woods Dweller]

Squirrel is very tough, It has been used for bow string for a very long time. My Son makes bows and uses squirrel skins for the strings. It also works very well for Moccasin shoe string.

After squirrel is skinned and hair is take off let it dry out like rawhide. Start cutting around the hide in a circle making a string about 1/4”. Now, soak string in water till it's floppy. Tie one end to something stationery and start twisting string till it's all tightly twisted and stretched out. Now tie the end to something that is going to hold it in place and streched out, allow it to dry. There ya have a very strong bow string. Or what ever you want to use it for.

You can do the same thing with soft buckskin to make a nice buckskin thread. I wax buckskin thread after it's dry. I have made 40 foot buckskin thread and braided 3 together to make a 40 foot rope.

 

[George]

After squirrel is skinned and hair is take off...

What's an easy way to get the hair off?

Spence

 

[Woods Dweller]

Wet the hid, rub hardwood ash into hair, roll up and let sit for 2 or 3 days. Hair should just pull out.

 

[George]

Thanks. Looking for info online I saw that some just shave the hair with a clipper and leave it on when making bowstrings. Ever try that? I'm not wanting bowstrings, just thongs for my moccasins and other stuff.

Spence

 

[Woods Dweller]

Never have tryed that, but it sounds like a good inea. Good luck :thumbsup:

 

[AM+DG]

Nice bag and horn there sir!!

TinStar

Veritas!

 

[Sam squanch]

Make some squirrel hide underwear….

 

[appalichian hunter]

fur side in of course.

 

[BS]

I use pine squirrel strips for tying flies.

 

[nhmoose]

My dog would eat them before I could do anything with them. I figure win win.

 

[necchi]

I always just peeled the tail off the bone and slid it down on my truck antenna.
Just remember, every animal has enough brains to tan itself,,,,

 

[Henry Miles]

Hair removal with any raw hide can be accomplished with firepit ashes dissolved in water. Soak for a couple days and the hair will come right out in big globs Rinse well and tan that hide!