DIY Tanning...how hard could it be?

[deltaops]

What if you don't want to mount it. I have a mule deer hide that I just want to cure to either hang on the wall or use as a blanket, whatever. Would it be better to do it yourself or have a professional do it? What would the cost to have Michelle do it?

[runamuk]

I'm willing to admit that tanning and preparing a cape for mounting is both an art and a science, but I'm not willing to admit that it is an insurmountable task for a beginner with determination, attention to detail, and gobs of time.  The only part that seems intimidating to me is thinning/shaving the hide without a fleshing wheel.  I understand this is an important step to having a quality mount in the end.  Has anyone attempted it?  What were your successes and failures? Is it as painful of a process as everyone says?  If not thinned enough, will it have a noticeable effect on the final product for someone looking for a hobbyist-quality mount?

Convince me to give it a try...or convince me to take it to a commercial tannery.

you may find less intimidating advice searching for tanning sheep hides there are lots of sites with great info for the small sheep farmer dealing with how to prep and then tan hides, or you can send them out to a place back east that will return you a tanned hide that can be washed like any other blanket....