I was hoping that some of you folks could help me out or point me in the right direction. Recently I picked up a red fox that had been hit by a car that was in great shape and was a beautiful animal. I took it home and thought I might skin it out and maybe tan the hide.

What I did was I opened it up just above the groin and proceed to take my time and skin it out. Not sure what they call it but kind of like a tube. In all modesty I think I did a pretty good job. I really took my time and with the exception of just a few small nicks I took it from the tip of the tail, up around the face. The only think I left was just the bottom of the four feet bones.

Now that I’ve gone this far what’s next? When do I salt it? How do I flesh it out and what kind of knife do you recommend? It has some burs in its tail when can I comb them out? Can I wash the pelt to clean it with regular hair shampoo?
If I want it soft and flexible can I send away for a tanning kit or do I have to send somewhere? Sorry for so many questions, any suggestions would be appreciated.

It’s sitting in the freezer and I better do something with it quick, I put it in the freezer and my wife will have a cow if she finds it.