Rabbit Processing & Hide Tanning

with charlie serra

Kettle Falls, WA

This hands-on course will guide participants through the experience of respectfully taking the life of a rabbit and then skinning, processing, tanning the hide, and cooking the meat. Each participant will work with their own rabbit and leave the course with a fully tanned fur hide and foundational animal processing skills. We will also explore the age-old connection and reciprocal relationship between people and animals, and how we might cultivate and express gratitude for the lives that sustain and nourish our own. With an appreciation that taking the life of (or giving death to) an animal can be a challenging experience, we will approach this process with reverence and care for the animals we work with, and support each other through what can be an emotional journey.

Included with Instruction:

  • 3.5+ days of expert instruction

  • Finished tanned rabbit hide

  • Small group size with an emphasis on hands-on, active, outdoor learning

  • Delicious, nourishing, locally-sourced meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) prepared on-site (with a few meals prepared in the field by participants with their rabbits)

  • Course materials, tools, and equipment

  • On-site camping and hot showers (limited upgraded accommodations available)

  • Invitation to participate in alumni events and join our network of alums

  • See Course Topics, below

 
 
 

COURSE TOPICS

(Each participant will be working with their own rabbit throughout the course)

Dispatching

  • Guided support through taking the life of a rabbit in a quick and respectful way

Skinning

  • How to skin a rabbit while tending the hide for later tanning and crafting

  • Knives and other tools

Processing

  • Dressing (gutting) small game

  • Butchering the meat with an emphasis on safe food handling

Tanning

  • Hide tanning by softening and smoking for long term preservation

  • Brain tanning

  • Exposure to a bigger game animal hide being processed by your instructor alongside you, for bigger picture awareness of what it takes to tan various types of hides

Cooking

  • Preparing meat over coals using various methods and possibly other wild food ingredients

 
 

Course Dates

  • TBA

Group Size: 6 Adults (+kids)

Course Tuition: (All-inclusive for four days)

  • Adult: $1400

  • Accompanied Child (ages 10-18): $800

Schedule: This course will begin at noon on the start date (please arrive between 11 AM and noon) and conclude by noon on the final day.

Occurs concurrently with an Awaken the Hunter Course

These are separate tracks that will concentrate on specific curriculum, but participants will be together for some meals and stay together on site, with some overlap during the days and evenings around the fire. Great option for partners who want to explore different topics.

See FAQ's for general gear requirements. Exact location and directions will be provided with registration confirmation.