acorn tanning

[kybackwoodsman]

found an article in new magazine called american frontiersman, usin acorns as tanning solution. seems legit, had bobcat hide tanned 20yrs n still soft n plaible. he takes at least 2 gal of white oak acorns busted up and boiled then simmered slow for half hour nut and shells both in gallon of water. water then turns black or dark brown. let cool then pour into bucket with hides and add enough water to float freely. weigh down with rock. stir hides at least once a day for about a week. remove and wring out then streach on board leather up with space between board and hide. will be dry in 5 to 7 days in well ventilated place. then its rug or wall hanger grade. to soften work hide by hand on post or rough tree, n work neats foot oil or what ever u like with other tanning. he then will smoke the hide. he uses this formula for one deer or several coon or cat hides. gonna give it a try cant hurt. just make sure the acorns are collected fresh in fall n can be stored in cool dry place.

[Red Badger]

let us know how it turns out... I might just have to do some acorn scavaging....

[kybackwoodsman]

after lookin over the extensive acorn crop in my yard, im a little late they already pass thier use stage. wish i found this info 2 months ago

[singletree45]

I have the same issue and want to try that method also. My problem is the deer eat the white oak acorns about as fast as they hit the ground and like you say it is a little late in the season to geather them. I was wondering if other species of oak would work. From what I understand the reason that deer like white oak acorns is that they are low in tannic acid. I have several other oak trees on my farm and would not be a problem geathering acorns from them during the season.

[Watauga]

I Found this on the web
http://www.ehow.com/how_8465280_tan-animal-skins-using-acorns.html

[kybackwoodsman]

worth a try

[Dogshirt]

The tannic acid is what does the job, "Tan"nic  acid!

[ErikPrice1@msn.com]

Just found that mag where I work. Good articles and alot of useful info. I'm not to crazy about it's $9.95 price but understand they have to make a dollar. Tried to find a subscription tag to it but didn't, gonna try them on line. Maybe it will be cheaper.

[kybackwoodsman]

im pretty sure its an annual. thats y the price