How to Skin a Dead Animal

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Last Updated: October 11, 2024

Skinning a hunted animal is not easy or hard, but it is a necessary step in getting good quality meat from a wild creature. These instructions offer a basic guideline on how to begin the process as soon as the animal is dead.

Steps

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make the cut shallow so you do not pierce the stomach.
Peel the hide back several inches on each side to keep hair out of meat.
You can do this by cutting to one side of the sternum where the ribs can join.^{[1]
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Cut only where necessary to free them.
Pinch the urethra tightly and cut it beyond the point you are pinching.
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Then peel the skin back, using your knife in a slicing motion to cut the membrane between the skin and the meat. Continue this until the entire skin is removed.^{[3]
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The heart, liver, and kidneys are edible.

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Why do I need to know this?

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In case of a survival situation, you may need the materials for shelter or clothing. The skin may also be used to make a sleeping area more comfortable.

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How long will the meat last when skinning a dead animal?

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Gutting and skinning is only the first step in meat preservation. After that you can salt and or smoke the meat. If you don't salt it before smoking it, cutting it into thin strips and smoking it to the point of being a "jerky" will preserve it for several months. Salt will extend that by making it harder for bacteria to grow. This is if you don't have access to refrigerators, freezers or deep freezes.

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When I drain the blood of an animal, do I leave the blood there or do I clean it up?

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Drain it in an area where it can be naturally absorbed; in a sandy or rocky place.

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Warnings

Don't touch any animal that was dead when you found it, or if you think it may have been ill when it was killed.

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Skin at home to avoid dangers

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