Had that issue (cow pelt and a lime) before the hot fix as well.

Never tried to retest the issue. I wonder if with deer pelts there is the same problem.

since .58 you need to do this in an barrel.

without barrel it will not work

@wasnu: What a nice workaround. Thank you. However it should be fixed and I wonder if this bug is already on the to do list.

Tell me wasnu, even in a closed barrel tanning is possible?

its not an bug and will not be fixed.

you put the lime an the pelt into the barrel and when you close the lid you get an option to tan leather

@wasnu: In that case shouldn't the barrel be empty (only lime and pelts inside)?

Anyway, thank you. You were very helpful.

now it works with other stuff in it (guns or whatever)

i think in the future you will need an empty barrel

Hello Moriquendi23.
What you describe is an old crafting mechanic which is no longer present in the game. The current mechanic is described here for example http://dayz-sa.net/guides/improvised-leather-clothing/ and requires a barrel.
Regards,
Geez