Step i: Skinning - Use a knife only to start and finish the job. Use your hands to pry and pull off the hide. Leave the tallow on. This helps keep the hide soft.

Step ii: Curing- Lay the hide down, flesh side up, in a cool dry place. Spread 3-5 lbs of table salt on the flesh side. Let sit for 3-4 days until a crust forms and noticeable discharge stops.

Step iii: Packing- Fold the sides towards the center and roll up hair side out, keeping the salt on the hide. Wrap in paper or burlap and place in a cardboard box with completed packing slip on this flier or printed from our web site. Place packing slip in a sealable, plastic sandwich bag, in the box with your hide. DO NOT PUT HIDE IN A PLASTIC BAG!!! The lack of air circulation will cause it to rot. If sending multiple boxes, fill out only one packing slip for entire shipment and label each box with a number (i.e. : 1 of 3; 2 of 3; 3 of 3)

Step iv: Shipping- Hides are accepted year round. However, hair on hides will only be accepted October 1st to March 15th.We recommend shipping via UPS, parcel post or truck line. In all cases, be sure sufficient paper is placed in the box to absorb any additional dripping. Write your name, address, and if possible, you day time phone number on the outside of each box.

Step v: Timing- Tanning takes approximately 3 to 5 months depending on the time of the year it is received. Cow, Elk, and Moose may take longer. After the initial completion notification, Giovanni’s Rawhides will hold the hides for a maximum of 3 months. After which, they will be put up for sale at public auction.

*Giovanni’s Rawhides is not responsible for any damages caused by preparation, packing, or shipping.

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