How to Treat Raccoon Pelts

Treating a raccoon hide is a great way to show off success stories from previous hunting trips. By treating the hide, it will be preserved for many years. It is easier to treat the hide on a smaller animal than a bigger one, making raccoons a great choice for a person's first attempt at treating an animal hide.

Things You'll Need

  • Skinning knife
  • Scissors
  • Salt
  • Large board
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the killed raccoon properly. Start by cutting lengthwise down the belly of the raccoon. Remove the internal organs. Start to remove the pelt from the rest of the body using a skinning knife. Make precise and careful cuts. You might have to pull hard to peel the pelt from the body in certain spots.

    • 2

      Cut away any extra flesh hanging on the pelt. Let the pelt cool down before cutting away the flesh to make it an easier process. Also use the knife to cut any white membrane that might still be attached. Use a pair of scissors to trim any unsightly looking patches. This could include anywhere that was torn during the removal process.

    • 3

      Place the raccoon hide flat on a table with the membrane side of the pelt showing. Put on a pair of gloves and sprinkle salt onto the membrane. Rub the salt in to help speed up the drying process.

    • 4

      Nail a board to a structure that is protected from the elements and other wild animals. The inside of a garage or shed works best. Nail the pelt onto the board. Make sure it is stretched out, but use as few nails as possible to avoid putting holes in the pelt. Keep the pelt protected from the elements and seal it off for two weeks. After two weeks, make sure it is completely dried out. Once dried, the hide is treated and will last a long time.