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Historic and Primitive Skills
Raccoon hides: first steps in hair on tanning
Registration is Closed

LOCATION & SCHEDULE
Meeting on: Located at:
Start Time End Time
Waynesville Rural Fire District Training Center
25785 Red Oak Road
Waynesville, MO 65583
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Additional Information: Instructed by:
Raccoons trap to cap: First steps in hair on tanning Raccoon season is here! Our ancestors utilized animal fur for making clothing, blankets, hats, and more. For this clinic, you are encouraged to bring 2 raccoon hides to class to scrape and salt. We will have demonstration hides in various stages for you to learn from also. By the end of the clinic, you’ll have enough knowledge and fur to finish tanning your hides and to make a hat or other small item. Whether you trap or utilize calls to harvest raccoons, the hides are a valuable resource that can be used to make many items. In this hands-on clinic, you will bring along one or two raccoon skins (preferably partially frozen) to scrape and salt. At the clinic, we will review how to skin a raccoon, then you will flesh your raccoon hide(s) and salt them to take home and process further. We will provide fleshing beams and knives to use during the class, but feel free to bring along your own. After your raccoons are scraped and salted, you will see and assist with the remaining steps of hide preparation and learn how to lay out a simple hat pattern to make from your hides once you finish processing them over the next few days (or whenever you have time, since hides are paused once they are well salted.) Wear old clothes and bring a rubber apron, if you have one. A heavy trash bag can be used in place of an apron. If you have a fleshing knife, bring it along. We will have fleshing knives and beams available for use during the program. You will take home plans to build a simple fleshing beam and frame. After harvesting your raccoon(s), skin and roll them flesh side to flesh side. Place each hide in a leakproof bag and freeze. Remove hides from freezer the night before the clinic, being mindful to place in a bucket to avoid leaks. Bring along a bucket or plastic tub to transport your salted hides home. If you are having challenges obtaining a raccoon hide, please email for guidance and still come along to learn. Please bring a sack lunch, drinks, and snacks. Dress in layers to adjust between indoor and outdoor portions. Participants 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Dwight Warnke
Cancellation Policies:

You must cancel your registration before Monday, January 13, 2025.
Age Policy:

All registrants for this event must be a minimum age of 13 years old by 1/13/2025.