Do you save your elk hide?

[wmidbrook]

Curious if you save your elk hides. I've seen 1" squares of hide with hair selling at fly shops for 3-5 dollars. I've also seen elk hide boots at over $300/pair.

If you do save it, how and where do you have yours processed?

 

[Speckmisser]

I've had both of mine so far tanned with the hair on.

One now serves as a blanket in my camper. It just about covers a queen-sized bed, and is a great weight for California camping.

Not sure what I'm gonna do with the other one.

Mine were handled by taxidermists, but they send them off to a tannery somewhere. If you do a little research, you can probably find a way to send it in yourself, and save a few bucks. It is a little pricey.

You can also get them done into buckskin and either make something yourself or find a craftsman to make something for you.

I just hate to see such a pretty piece of skin get left behind. Since I don't "do" head mounts, my trophies consist of the antlers, ivories, and skin.

 

[Stryder]

I stayed at a motel up in three forks monana once that had a tanned elk hide (with the hair on) on the wall that someone had taken a beard trimmer to and had shaved the hair off into the form of a bald eagle swooping down. It was really neat and I hope to one day to something of the sort. Dennis

 

[barel74]

got mine tanned with the hair on it, looks great. But, if your going to use it as a blanket, it better be cold.