Hello, from Leaky tepee taxidermist Brenda. I am a full time taxidermist and also offer tanning of small & large hides. Here some basic instructions that can be used to prepare a hide for tanning. Skin animal a.s.a.p. but not in temperatures below 40 degrees f or above 80 degrees f, this will prevent your hide from rotting or freezing and will allow the salt to work. Remove all meat & fat from the hide and on your capes for life-sized turn/split eyes & ears lips and feet. Please, don't use rock salt or coarse salt. Rub the salt into the hide & every where on the flesh side 1-2 inches thick. Pack into paws & every where, Let it sit to penetrate the hide at least 48 hours. Thin hides for at least 3 days. Thicker hides up to 5 days. Shake off old salt and repeat. let it hang for 24 hours to dry the hair and flesh side up allowing the hide to dry almost all the way. When the hide is not wet to touch but is still flexable fold the hide with hair sides together and roll with the face & feet on the inside of the roll. allow it to dry for 2 weeks in the roll before shipping to your tannery. Note these are instructions for our tannery check your tannery's instructions. If you are not experienced at fleshing you can send it to me to be fleshed. hides can be shipped frozen and you could use house insulation to help keep it safe during shipping. I could also be reached at 931-722-5345 if you should have any questions.