The deer population in Scotland is carefully managed as a necessity. By doing so, woodland and agricultural land is preserved for future generations. In some parts of our country, it is a way of life, a living and a boost to the economy. If you choose to eat meat, then fresh wild game is also about as good as it gets from a quality-of-life point of view for the animal. It is also more likely that more of the animal will be used.
If you would like to try preparing a deer skin, ask your local estate, game dealer or butcher if they can point you in the right direction of how to acquire a fresh hide. Preparing it yourself has the benefits of trying a new hands-on craft. Tanning kits are widely available, as well as numerous videos and professional guides. This way is all-natural with no chemicals added.
Method
1 Wearing gloves and looking out for ticks, lay the hide on to a flat surface, fur side down. Pick out any debris such as pellet shards or greenery.
2 Pour over a thick layer of course salt, making sure every inch is covered. Add a layer of fine salt on top. Leave the hide like this for 48 hours.
3 Now the salt will have hardened and cured into the flesh; use a flat-ended tool such as the side of a knife to scrape off all the flesh. Take it down to the leathery skin underneath, leaving it completely free of any membrane.
4 Next mix 12 egg yolks to four parts water. Work the mixture into the hide using a damp cloth and leave overnight.
5 Wash all the mixture off and leave out to dry. Once dry the hide can be tidied up by trimming, brushing and reshaping.
For more information on outdoors education, visit thewildoutdoors.org
