Gundog Training Forum

I have been given a rabbit skin which I intend to use wrapped around a canvas dummy - and would appreciate some advice about the best way to treat/dry it and how long should it last? (I think it had only been removed from the body that day, as my cat then managed to get hold of it and put up a very good chase and strong fight before I got it back)

Just make sure theres no flesh on the skin and then put it in the airing cuboard to dry it out I think. Make sure ur mrs knows about it (or doesnt) lol

I’d wrap in 1 sheet of newspaper, and put it in the boiler room to dry; it will smell a bit….

Hello Coco,

Welcome to the forum.

This thread may help you too viewtopic.php?f=7&t=4337

Rascal

Rub a load of salt in the skin side and dry it fur down
Paul

there are many ways to dry your skin out i find the best way is with salt but u can also use borex powder or fullers earth

sorry it's been so long to update - dried out nicely and still in use! We have just had a combi boiler so now don't have an airing cupboard so will try the salt method with the next ones!

coco wrote:sorry it's been so long to update - dried out nicely and still in use! We have just had a combi boiler so now don't have an airing cupboard so will try the salt method with the next ones!

have a scout on t'internet. Theres some good american websites, and they talk about mink & squirrel fur, but the same process none the less.

I Skinned a Rabbit a couple of monthes ago. I made sure there was no fat left on the skin cleaned off the blood and left it in my van for 3 weeks (Turned it to make sure it dried on every part) and it was nice and dry turned it outside in and out it on to my 1lb dummy

done one or two recently, just lay skin out flat - fur side down. give a good covering of salt and leave for 2-3 days... shake off salt and bang off the rest thats stuck. attach to dummy as required

one fresh rabbit skin dummy!

now where could i find a hare skin....