Velvet Preservation in the field

[Big Browns]

 

 

Good luck to everyone heading out this weekend! Here are some tips on properly taking care of velvet antlers:

1. Keep Cool: Keep the buck cool, ideally in the shade, to slow down decomposition. Heat and blood can speed up the process.

2. Drain Blood: If you're staying in the backcountry for a while, drain the blood from the antlers. Some recommend hanging the buck upside down by the skull and making pinholes in the tips of each tine with a knife to let the blood drain out.

3. Protect from Flies: Cover the antlers to keep flies away, but avoid using a plastic bag. Instead, use a deer meat bag to allow for air circulation.

4. Avoid Handling: Don't touch the velvet too much, as this can damage its appearance. Avoid holding the buck by its antlers when taking photos; pick it up by the ears instead. When packing out or transporting the antlers, don't drag them or let anything rub against the velvet.

5. Wrap and Secure: When securing the antlers to your pack, wrap them just below the base with a soft, thick, breathable material, and then strap or tie rope around it.

6. As soon as possible, either deep freeze the antlers or take them to a taxidermist.

 

If you need a euro done or have any questions feel free to give me a call.  928-595-1554.  I’m located in the East Valley.

[PRDATR]

Great info Adam.

[CatfishKev]

Adam, what do you think about freeze drying? 

[Big Browns]

13 hours ago, CatfishKev said:

Adam, what do you think about freeze drying? 

Freeze drying is absolutely the best method!  I typically only freeze dry the larger trophy type velvet antlers due to the cost.  I usually preserve the smaller velvet antlers myself.

[bonecollector]

Do you do euros with the real velvet Adam?

[idgaf]

For my velvet bull from last year , I cut slits on the top and coated with acetone and honestly forgot about it outside for the last year.  

[Tony Nile]

Freeze drying is 100% the way to go. 

Spend the extra $ it's worth it. 

[Big Browns]

10 hours ago, bonecollector said:

Do you do euros with the real velvet Adam?

Yes I do.

[trphyhntr]

2 hours ago, Tony Nile said:

Freeze drying is 100% the way to go. 

Spend the extra $ it's worth it. 

Looks the same 

[oz31p]

24 minutes ago, trphyhntr said:

Looks the same 

Adam has done both artificial and freeze dried for me , they both look , freeze dried looks best

[Tony Nile]

8 hours ago, trphyhntr said:

Looks the same 

Because it was freeze dried.  It's the only way to go.  

[Big Browns]

Friendly reminder.  Good luck to everyone tomorrow!

[oz31p]

Any advise for hides?

[Big Browns]

1 hour ago, oz31p said:

Any advise for hides?

I like to freeze 1 gallon water bottles and wrap the hide around them.  I then place them in a game bag and place them in a cooler ABOVE the water line.  DO NOT let the hide get wet!!!!!

[oz31p]

10 minutes ago, Big Browns said:

I like to freeze 1 gallon water bottles and wrap the hide around them.  I then place them in a game bag and place them in a cooler ABOVE the water line.  DO NOT let the hide get wet!!!!!

Good, I’m on 87n with 10 1gallon frozen bottles