Quick Answer
To skin a deer correctly, ensure the hide is not torn or stretched, and maintain the integrity of the hide's natural seams, particularly around the anus and base of the tail.
Preparing the Deer for Skinning
Before skinning, make sure the deer is fully cooled and rigor has set in, which usually takes about 24 to 48 hours after death. This helps prevent the hide from tearing when you start to skin it. Use a sharp knife to make a shallow incision along the belly, just deep enough to cut through the skin and connective tissue.
Skinning the Deer
Begin by making a cut from the anus up to the base of the tail, taking care to stay along the natural seam of the hide. Continue this cut up the belly, making sure to maintain a consistent depth to avoid tearing the hide. Next, make a second incision along the ribcage, starting at the base of the neck and working down to the belly. Carefully cut around the shoulder blades, using a gentle sawing motion to avoid tearing the hide. Finally, make a third incision from the base of the neck down to the ribcage, staying close to the natural seam of the hide.
Removing the Hide
Use your hands to gently pry the hide away from the flesh, working from the belly up towards the head. Take care not to stretch or tear the hide as you remove it from the deer’s body. If you encounter any areas where the hide is particularly stubborn, try soaking the area with water to loosen the skin and make it easier to remove. Continue to work your way around the deer’s body, using a combination of gentle prying and sawing motions to remove the hide in one piece.
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