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[boonecounty]

I took my elk hide off last Thursday and tacked it to a sheet of plywood. I then ordered the home tanning kit which should arrive on Friday. With my elk sitting out for the last week is it to late to tan it? I didn't have a scraper or time to work the hide and I am afraid since I didn't salt it that it is ruined. It has been fairly cold and out of the sun, but I am wondering if it is totally ruined.

[The Tanner]

Is it turning green or does it have a strong smell.  Trust me they smell pretty bad when they turn.  If not, then go ahead and salt it.  When you are ready to tan the hide, the first step is to soak it up.  If you notice some of the hair slipping then it is too late and the hide won't turn out.  Luckily at this point you have only used a couple dollars of salt. 

You can still make leather with it. 

Good Luck