Deer leg (hock) advice

[Albus Culter]

Hello all

I picked up two rear red deer hocks (lower legs) yesterday. It was butchered Monday and they are now in my fridge. No the wife is not happy

Slitting the skin to the hoof and getting that off, I'm pretty happy I'm ok with. Getting the tendons out (which was main reason I got them) I'm pretty sure will be fine and I can dry these and make cordage.

My questions.

What to do with the skin. I'd prefer to keep it hair on and make pouches. I'm pretty sure it's scrape, tack to a board and dry. What next or what am I missing?

Also how to clean up the bones to use as tool projects? Awls, needles and the like? Don't want to boil them and ruin the bones strength.

Any other uses, bits I'm missing?

Cheers all

 

[British Red]

No reason not to use the hoofs. Boiled in water they will make a fantastic glue (as will the hide if its too small for anything else). The light delicate bouquet of this glue will evoke a strong reaction from your wife and she will no longer worry about deer legs being merely kept in the fridge.

 

[Mesquite]

Have a look here Martin

[video=youtube;YNC3RKISp9g]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNC3RKISp9g[/video]

 

[John Fenna]

Deer hooves were used by the North American 1st Nations/aboriginals/Red Indians for rattles and noisy clothing ornaments.

 

[Albus Culter]

Cheers Steve,

That's the one that inspired to skin and get the tendons

It's now how to process the hide with hair on and clean the bones.

Hmm glue. I could try that. Any hints and tips or is it just boil till you get a gloop?

Rattles is an idea to use up the bits but glue may be more useful

Have a look here Martin

[video=youtube;YNC3RKISp9g]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNC3RKISp9g[/video]