Creating a deer hide rug is a process that involves several steps, each important to ensure the finished product is both aesthetically pleasing and durable. Remember, working with animal hides requires respect for the animal, and you should always ensure that the deer hide comes from a legal and ethical source. Let’s walk through the steps of how to make a deer hide rug.
Step 1: Obtain a Fresh Deer Hide
First and foremost, you need a fresh deer hide. This can come from your hunting trip, a local hunter, or a reputable supplier. Ensure the hide is in good condition without significant damage.
Step 2: Fleshing the Hide
Remove any remaining flesh from the deer hide by using a fleshing knife or a dull knife. Pull and scrape away all bits of flesh and fat, being careful not to damage the skin. A clean hide will tan better and not have lingering odors.
Step 3: Salting the Hide
The next step is to coat the hide with a generous layer of non-iodized salt. This helps to draw out moisture and set the hair. Lay the hide flat, flesh side up, and cover it entirely with salt. Let the hide sit for 24-48 hours.
Step 4: Soaking and Cleaning
After salting, soak the deer hide in a solution of water and a hide-tanning formula or a homemade mixture of water and brain tanning solution if you choose a more traditional approach. This will help further clean and condition the hide. Soak it for the amount of time specified by the tanning formula’s instructions, usually a few days, changing the solution each day.
Step 5: Scraping
After soaking, scrape off any remaining tissue. You may need to repeat soaking and scraping to achieve a completely clean hide.
Step 6: Tanning the Hide
Tanning is the process that will preserve the hide permanently. You can use a commercially available tanning solution following its instructions, or you may choose a natural tanning method like brain tanning. Each tanning method will have specific instructions—follow them closely. This step will likely take several days to weeks.
Step 7: Stretching and Softening
Once the tanning solution has been applied and set, the hide will need to be stretched to avoid becoming stiff. This is done by pulling, stretching, and working the hide while it dries. A frame can be useful to anchor the edges of the hide and pull it taut.
Step 8: Final Trimming
After the hide is dried and softened to your liking, you may want to trim any uneven edges to give your rug a clean shape. Use a sharp knife or scissors for this.
Step 9: Adding a Backing (Optional)
To add extra durability and prevent sliding, you can attach a backing to your deer hide rug. Use a suitable fabric or rug backing material and attach it using an appropriate adhesive or sew it on by hand.
Step 10: Maintenance
Once your rug is complete, maintenance is important to preserve its quality. Keep it away from direct sunlight to avoid fading, and clean it with a brush or mild soap and water when necessary, avoiding saturating the hide.
Keep in mind that some of these steps, like tanning and softening, can be quite complex and may require in-depth instruction and practice. If you’re new to hide tanning, consider seeking additional resources or enlisting the help of an experienced tanner. Always respect regulatory and ethical considerations surrounding wildlife and hunting when engaging in projects involving animal hides.