Newbie here...

[IMADREAMER]

Hey all,
I've been scanning this site for awhile - very informative and interesting. I'm primarily interested in learning to tie flies and crappie jigs. I have visited the jig tying thread, which is awesome. I have a question on preserving animal skins, pelts, tails, etc. I've read that the flesh and fat must be removed and washed in "mild" soap, then coated with "borax". Okay, what is considered "mild" soap and is "borax" the 20 Mule team powder you can buy?
Any help would be appreciated...
Thanks and tight lines,
Noel

[Jiggin_Joe]

Hey noel welcome to the site. Sorry I cant answer your question though but i do belive that yes borax is the mule team. I know someone here will have all your answers so sit back enjoy the site and I'm sure before long you will have all your answers.

JJ

[OKSTATEjiggy]

Welcome from Oklahoma, Dreamer. Sorry, but I'm not sure about that either.

[mikeb]

Welcome to the site!!
Yes Borax the Mule team.
I just skin the deer tails and remove most all the fat I can,then stretch it out on a board and cover the hide with Borax.
On squrriel tails I just cover the ends where you cut them off.
Bout 10 days the hide will be hard and you can dy it or use it natural.

Here is a good link to the process.


Dying Buck Tail

mikeb

[WhitePerchJerker]

Noel. welcome to the site.

[gabowman]

Welcome from Georgia.

[snake River]

Borax powder is what you use to preserve the hide at is 20 Mule team borax. Your question on what type of soap do you use when washing animal hair you use regular dish soap like you use to wash your dishes. Make sure that you cut all fat and blood from your hide or hides. You should stretch them out if they are animal hides. So they get better air circulation do not worry the borax will do the work for you in curing it also makes him smell better. Welcome to this site from Oregon

[shipahoy41]

Welcome from Alabama.

[skiptomylu]

From Toledo Bend Texas!

[Fatman]

welcome aboard from Vermont

Fatman