After Oiling The Hide

[USMC0844]

Ive had my deer hide drying for 3 days. I think I may have put too much oil on it because in 3 days, it only dried on the edges to about 1/2 inch in. Is there any way to remove excess oil or speed up the drying?

[glasgow]

My last Elk took about a week for the center to dry, I believe it was due to the cold weather so, I brought it in the house and turned on  the fans to circulate the air. Within about 5 days it was dry and I was able to complete it.

[The Tanner]

Temperature and humidity can really affect drying times.  Out here in Wyoming it is very dry so it doesn't take much to dry a hide.  It seems to take longer in the rest of the country.

You can use the rounded edge of you scraper tool and stake the hide.  It opens up the leather fibers.  This allows the hide to dry more quickly but it will remove a little oil from the hide so do it sparingly at this point.

Good luck and happy tanning.