Squirrel hide shot pouch

[Wncman]

I shot a squirrel a couple weeks ago and wanted to make use of the hide. I was debating on what to use it for. Finally settled on a little pocket sized shot pouch. It holds about a pound of shot. I turned the spout out of a piece of hickory. View attachment 355957View attachment 355958

Love it

 

[Wncman]

I tanned the hide with eggs. It was stretched and smoked. It is very soft and pliable.

Explain the egg thing please. Whole/Whites

 

[LymanB]

Explain the egg thing please. Whole/Whites

After fleshing the hide, I rubbed egg yolks on the hide avoiding fur. Stretched out the hide with tacks and left yolks on for about 24 hours. Then washed hide and tacked until dry before breaking up fibers by stretching to soften.

 

[LymanB]

Please tell us what you do to the hide to keep hair from falling out. I know nothing about tanning but would like to learn.

This was a first for me trying a squirrel so I’m hoping it works well and the hair won’t slip. I salted the hide and folded it up until I got a chance to work on it. Washed it with soap and water and scraped all the meat bits off the hide (fleshing).After fleshing the hide, I rubbed egg yolks on the hide avoiding fur. Stretched out the hide with tacks and left yolks on for about 24 hours. Then washed hide and tacked until dry before breaking up fibers by stretching to soften. Then made a small fire and hung outstretched hide over the smoke for a couple hours. There’s probably a better/correct way of doing it, I’m no expert for sure.