Weldy Hill Fur & Hide Tanning

Taxidermist in Nappanee, Indiana

(574) 907-424671985 Co Rd 100, Nappanee, IN 46550View on Yelp
Weldy Hill Fur & Hide Tanning - taxidermy in Nappanee, IN

About Weldy Hill Fur & Hide Tanning

Weldy Hill Fur & Hide Tanning is located in Nappanee, Indiana, and serves the local hunting and trapping community with specialized hide and fur processing. Nappanee sits in a region where deer hunting, trapping, and fur harvesting have long been practical traditions, so demand for quality tanning work stays consistent. The business name signals a clear focus on the tanning side of the industry rather than finished decorative mounts, making it particularly relevant for trappers, hide collectors, and hunters who want to use their hides for rugs or other purposes. It's a practical, craft-oriented service.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Hide tanning converts raw animal skins into soft, preserved leather or fur that won't rot or stiffen over time. Weldy Hill likely processes deer hides, beaver, muskrat, coyote, and other furbearers common to Indiana's trapping and hunting seasons. Fur tanning preserves the hair-on finish for use in rugs, wall hangings, or garment-making, while leather tanning removes the hair for a clean hide. Some tanning services also offer salting and preservation advice so customers know how to prep their hides before drop-off.

Service Area

Weldy Hill Fur & Hide Tanning operates out of Nappanee, Indiana, serving customers across Elkhart County and surrounding counties. Trappers and hunters from Goshen, Bristol, Millersburg, and the greater northern Indiana region make up the typical customer base. The shop's location in Amish Country means it also serves a community with strong traditions around natural materials and handcraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between fur tanning and leather tanning?
Fur tanning preserves the hide with the hair or fur still attached, resulting in a soft pelt used for rugs, garments, or display. Leather tanning removes the hair and processes the skin into a smooth, durable material used for various craft and practical applications.
How should I preserve a hide before bringing it in for tanning?
Salt the flesh side of the hide generously within a few hours of skinning, then fold flesh-to-flesh and let it dry in a cool area. Avoid sealing it in plastic bags, which trap moisture and cause the hide to spoil.
Can deer hides from Indiana hunting season be tanned into usable leather?
Yes, whitetail deer hides are among the most commonly tanned hides in Indiana. They produce a soft, relatively thin leather that's popular for gloves, moccasins, and similar applications.
How long does the tanning process take?
A full tan, from raw hide to finished product, typically takes 4 to 8 weeks depending on the type of tan and the shop's current volume. Rush processing is sometimes available but often costs more.
What furbearers are commonly tanned in northern Indiana?
Beaver, muskrat, raccoon, coyote, and fox are the most commonly trapped furbearers in the region. Deer hides from hunting season are also very popular for tanning.
Can a tanned hide be made into a rug with the fur intact?
Yes, a hair-on tan keeps the fur attached and produces a finished pelt that works well as a floor or wall rug. The hide backing is softened during tanning so it lays flat and stays pliable.

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