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Support for the sport
I would just like to encourage anyone interested in deer hunting to give the sport a try.
After all, deer hunting is just that - a sport. It is challenging and fun. It is a great
reason to get together with friends. It is an excellent way to enjoy the beauty of the
outdoors. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll bring home some tasty venison.
Deer are, by no means, an endangered species. In fact, there are more deer in our country
today than there were over 500 years ago, before Columbus ever reached our shores.
Deer hunting is an experience I recommend highly. If you’re not sure how to get started,
contact any of the Web sites listed at the bottom of this page. I also
urge you to join the National Rifle Association (NRA), a fine organization that supports
hunter and gun owner rights.
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Gun Safety
Here are the Basic Rules of Firearm Safety, courtesy of Sturm, Ruger Firearms:
- Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of the firearm you are using.
- Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Firearms should always be unloaded when not in use.
- Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before using.
- Be sure of your target before you shoot.
- Wear shooting glasses and ear protection when you shoot.
- Never climb a tree or fence with a loaded firearm. Don’t shoot at a hard surface or at water.
- Never transport a loaded firearm. Avoid alcoholic beverages or drugs when shooting or handling a gun.
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How to Save a Deer Hide
If you’re lucky enough to get a buck this season, congratulations!
Here are a few key tips courtesy of the New York State Department
of Environmental Conservation for skinning and saving the hide.
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Did you know...
Approximately half of the available deer hides are NOT collected for tanning?
That's over 1.25 million skins that are simply discarded. This is a terrible waste
of a precious resource. Plus, they're worth $5-$6 apiece at today's market.
Please find a collector of game hides near you!
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As a general rule, game should be skinned as soon as possible after the animal is harvested.
Skinning is easiest when the carcass is warm. First, decide if you want to have the head
mounted as a trophy. If so, ask your taxidermist for detailed instructions on how to save the hide.
If not, just follow these simple steps:
- If possible, hang the animal off the ground upside down; otherwise skin it where it lies.
- If possible, move it to an area of level ground or to your hunting camp before removing the skin.
This will prevent dirt and other debris from getting on the meat while it is being transported.
- Cut along the inside of each leg from above the knee joints to the belly incision.
- Next cut around each leg at the knee.
- Then cut completely around the neck to join the cut made along the throat when the windpipe was removed.
- Trim away excess fat and tissue from the hide and salt it heavily to prevent spoilage.
TIP: Use a coarse salt, like ice cream salt NOT rock salt.
The hide can now be tanned and turned into a wide variety of beautiful leather goods.
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Hunting for Hunting Info?
Want to learn more about deer hunting? There is a world of information available, right
here on the World Wide Web! Here are a few sites to get you started:
Buckmasters
NRA
NSSF
Northwest Deer Hunting
NRA's Eddie Eagle ® Program
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