Hide Tanning/Smoking in the Field

[wildmike]

Great stuff Paleo!

Ever tried keeping the brains fresh by submerging them in a creek?

 

[paleojoe]

Thanks!

No, I haven't tried preserving brains in a creek.... Have you?
My first thought is predators, unless your always near...
Seems completely do-able, if done right...

I'm sure a cold pit in winter may work, with some cold rocks as the base. In full shade...The average constant temp of the ground is mid-fifties. But I haven't tried with brains.
I have made ground coolers, and they kept the beer and eggs cool!
All it requires is a north side of a structure (house, tree, rock, etc.)in full shade, hole in the ground, and air passage from under and up, to create a 'venturri effect,' stays in the low-mid 50's.

But again, I consider predators. In bear country, the smell of blood carries. Even prey may scatter... Hmmmm....

 

[paleojoe]

I can appreciate the work you have done. I have done some braintanning myself. I have never tried to do it in the field. When done properly you have a great piece of hide that seems to be stronger than comercial tan. I can't imagine how hard it would be to scrape a hide with a knife. I have used the back of a machete to flesh the hide. Regards, Loosearrow

Thanks Loosearrow,
the natural chemicals involved in braintanning create an amazing reaction/bond when smoked, resulting in, as you say, a stronger hide!

And I agree, straight, square machete spines can make decent fleshers!

 

[jcl-MD]

Thank's for the info!!
RP#141