Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Primitive Skills => Topic started by: WhistlingBadger on November 06, 2021, 03:24:27 pm
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I scored four bison feet from the local bison ranch yesterday. I wanted to try using the hooves for overlays, but was pleased to find that I could also get a usable piece of hide and some nice sinew bundles from each one! Stay tuned for questions about all of the above.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51659986859_caf885d8eb_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mH1WhB)feet (https://flic.kr/p/2mH1WhB) by Whistling Badger (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187773441@N04/), on Flickr
Skinning. Each foot gives me about a 1' x 8" piece of hide to play with. Might be finally time to learn to bark tan.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51659990104_2ef3422dae_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mH1Xfy)skinning (https://flic.kr/p/2mH1Xfy) by Whistling Badger (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187773441@N04/), on Flickr
After skinning, I tried boiling one foot for about 20 minutes. (Pro tip: If you like your marriage, do this in the garage, not the kitchen) Did a little prying and prodding with a flathead screwdriver and the two hooves popped right off. So that part's easy.
Look at all this sinew! This is just from one foot. Now I just have to figure out what to do with it.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51658505947_c05bd5f22b_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mGTm4D)sinew (https://flic.kr/p/2mGTm4D) by Whistling Badger (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187773441@N04/), on Flickr
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There's a lot on these animals if a person just takes the time to get them.Good score.I make bags out of leg skins [front of bag] from deer and elk with other added leather.Split them from the front side so dew claws are at center of bag.I usually just salt and aluminum sulfate tan those legs.
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I use deer hoves and dew claws on projects.
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I've made wind chimes from them before.
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So, sinew question: I get the idea that you pretty much just pull the tendons out and let them dry before further processing. I'm having a devil of a time getting all the membranes and little blobs of fat off when they're wet. Is it OK to dry them with some gunk still attached?
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I'd get the fat off for sure.The rest like membrane will seperate and come off after pounding it.