Deer Hide Experience
March 3rd, 2001
Please be aware that the
images that follow
are somewhat graphic in nature.
If you get squeamish...don't look...move on!
On Saturday morning, March 3rd, Crew Advisor David Browne heard from a neighbour that a deer had died on his property on Friday night. He wasn't sure what to do with the dead animal. Advisors Kathy & David went over to check-out the deer.
After a quick review, they agreed that it was in very good shape and thought that it would be a great opportunity for the Rovers to learn how to skin a deer.
The deer was lashed onto a 8-foot 2 x 4 and carried to the road.
It was then loaded onto a toboggan and towed behind David's van back to their place.
Phone calls ensued and Brian and Don were the only ones available. They were excited and said that they would arrive in about an hour or so. After a quick briefing, it was off to the bush.
After taking time to offer thanks to the animal and creation for this awesome learning experience, Kathy, Brian and Don began the process of skinning the buck. The deer was estimated to be a 3-year old. We moved to a location out in the bush where we could hang it from a tree.
The only tool required was a sharp knife. Once the edges were free, the skin peeled away from the thin muscle tissue layer below.
Brian found that using 3 hands worked very well!
The skin was literally peeled right off the deer.
You do have to go slow and be very careful not to tear or put any holes in the hide.
After working for about 4 hours, the team succeeded in their task. The hide was carefully rolled up and placed in the freezer. It will be taken out later in the Spring to have the hair removed and to turn it into a beautiful piece of rawhide.
The carcass was left in the woods for the local animals to feed on. Every aspect of the deer will be used, consumed or returned to the earth. This is the way of Nature.
We made 2
Quicktime Movies to show how the hide pulls away.
Please
be patient while they load.
|
Movie
1
1.21 MB |
Movie
2
2.79 MB |
You will need Quicktime
to view the above movies.
Click on the Logo below to download Quicktime.
