OT - uses for hides

[Greg_M]

I was fortunate to have a perfect hunting experience earlier in the fall. A quick kill on a beautiful, healthy, animal after a few hours of peaceful solitude in nature. I processed the animal myself including the hide which I brain tanned leaving the fur on. I've done a few hides now and while a significant amount of effort I find the process satisfying.

So I've got a prime deer hide and can't decide what I should make of it or others I may come into. Any suggestions? Don't need a rug or wall hanging and I prefer useful things. Leggings for myself or a skirt for the Mrs. likely wouldn't see much use. What have you done with yours?

Thanks,

[Bowguy67]

Nothing at all. The hair breaks from rougher contact so other than decoration it's too fragile for me. Now moose leg skin makes some of the coolest sheaths. Looks almost like seal skin

[Greg_M]

Interesting about the moose leg skin. I did keep the deer hock skins. I won't get the opportunity to hunt moose but maybe I can convince a friend to keep a couple of leg skins to try.

I was thinking trim for a quiver or ditty bag or something. Inlay on something... Who knows.

[achigan]

I've seen artwork done with different animal skins, white for snow grey for mountains etc. The deer hair, being hollow, doesn't wear well. Better to remove hair if clothing is the use planned.

[BWallace10327]

I make it a point to save deer tails.  Can't have too much bucktail if you tie alot of streamer flies.

[Mike Orton]

Greg if you shoot Blackpowder the deer's right side rear leg makes a nice weather-proof for the lock mechanism.

Elk scrotum makes a nice Black powder round ball sack as well....let the jokes pour in now....