"To tan small hides..."
I just got a cookbook (Cooking Alaskan, by Alaskans - it was 45 cents plus shipping [1]) for two chapters: "How to Prepare Any Fish" and "All About Sourdough". Now I proudly own recipes for squirrel and lynx. I haven't had time to read the chapter yet, but skimming the sourdough chapter showed this tidbit of info that I just love, "To tan small hides such as min, rabbit, ermine, or muskrat, first wash the hide with lukewarm soapy water, using a mild soap. Lay the skin on a flat board, hair side down. Cover it with a thick batter of sourdough. When the dough begins to dry, start working the skin. Rub it with a circular motion against the palm of the left hand. Rub and knead the skin until it is dry and soft." Seriously, I wish I hunted.