How to Process a Skunk Pelt

Most people are afraid of skunks because of the their potent odor, but processing skunk pelts is a great way to learn taxidermy. The odor of the skunk is actually located in an internal gland. After the washing, tanning and oiling processes, the odor from the skunk is removed. The process of pelting skunks is similar to pelting most small animals and can be done with items available at your local hardware store.

Things You'll Need

  • Hunting knife
  • Plastic garbage can
  • 3 ounces borax powder
  • 1 pint wood alcohol
  • 1 pint turpentine
  • Glass jar
  • 1 ounce neatsfoot oil
  • 1 tablespoon ammonia
  • Brush
  • Plastic bag
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Instructions

    • 1

      Slice the skunk down the center of the belly with a hunting knife. Remove the skunk pelt from the body. Scrape away flesh and muscle from the pelt with the hunting knife. Turn the skin inside out. The inner portion should be exposed to air. It speeds up the drying process. Dry the pelt in sunlight for one day.

    • 2

      Pour 3 gallons of water into a plastic garbage can. Soak the skin in cold water for 3 hours. The water softens the skin.

    • 3

      Pour 3 gallons of warm water and 3 ounces of borax powder into the plastic garbage can. Submerge the skunk pelt for 1 hour. The solution removes the grease from the pelt.

    • 4

      Remove the pelt and place it on a flat surface. The flesh side faces you. Scrape the pelt with the flat side of a knife. The scraping is the final step in removing all particles attached to the pelt. Rinse the pelt in warm water.

    • 5

      Pour 1 pint of wood alcohol and 1 pint of turpentine into a glass jar. Put the skunk pelt in the solution and let it absorb for seven days.

    • 6

      Remove the pelt and wash it with dish detergent and water. Squeeze the pelt lightly to ring out most of the water.

    • 7

      Mix 1 ounce of neatsfoot oil, 1 ounce of warm water and 1 tablespoon of ammonia in a glass container. Brush the application on both sides of the pelt. Place the pelt in a plastic bag for 12 hours.

    • 8

      Remove the pelt and hang it on a line or pin it to the wall. Let the pelt dry for three to five days.