I only "pickle" when I want to delay putting up the hides for some reason, and frankly, freezing the green pelt is a better process.

Yes, you must flesh before salting. You'll effectively ruin your hide to leave flesh, fat, or oils on when salting. Some guys like to pickle to pull oils out of the hide easier. I just rub in my salt and refresh it consistently. Pickling can turn incredibly nasty, so I tend to avoid it.

Case, brush & wash if needed, flesh, stretch and salt, let dry stretched, rinse, tan & soften.