DIY Tanning Tip: Raccoons (along with beaver and bear) are some if the greasiest fur skins. It is important to remove the fat and grease prior to tanning. This raccoon skin was dry salted for several months and became “grease burned”. Meaning even though it was fleshed well, there was still fat in the skin and when left to dry, it caused the fay to harden and varnish. Using the Degreaser straight will help to break up the hardened fat. Sometimes the hair also feels greasy, so apply Degreaser to