The Outdoor Scene

Knowing I provided the venison steak or turkey breast for the family table always makes me feel proud and brings the hunting experience full circle. And because I fancy myself the artsy craftsy type, I’m also interested in using other parts of the animal for decorative and utilitarian purposes. That notion recently put me on the telephone with someone who is an expert on that topic, Jim Casada.

Jim, a former college history professor who has written thousands of magazine and newspaper articles as well as numerous books on hunting and fishing, takes a special interest in using everything but the gobble and the grunt to create beautiful handmade items.

“I enjoy working with my hands and part of that stems from growing up in a family that didn’t have a lot of money. Our family motto was ‘make do with what you’ve got.’ I was also influenced by literature about people who relied on their ability to use their hands,” Jim said.

Jim was moved by one book in particular, “People of the Deer” by Farley Mowat. It provides a window into a remote Inuit tribe in Canada’s north and how at one time their survival depended on using the caribou they killed for the meat as well as tools, clothes and other necessities. Another favorite of Jim’s is, “Heart of the Hunter” by Laurens Van der Post, which is a tribute to the Kalahari Bushmen and their ability to survive in the desert by cunning and craftsmanship.

While my survival doesn’t depend on taking a whitetail or a wild turkey, hunting is an important part of my life, and I like to celebrate that with what I cook as well as how I decorate my nest. And using an animal to the fullest extent is an important factor in the acceptance of hunting by the general public. Luckily, I was picking the perfect brain because Jim rattled off the following list of suggestions in short order. I discovered several ideas I’d like to try and I bet you will, too.

Jim Casada’s list of wildlife related handicrafts

• Before the West was won, Native Americans tanned deer hides and made them into clothes, bedding and more. Today, the leather can be used in the same way, which would be a neat touch for those who attend muzzleloading rendezvous, Dutch oven gatherings and other events celebrating our country’s history.
• Deer hooves positioned on a wooden plaque make an excellent rack for cradling your favorite firearm.
• Don’t blush, but a whitetail’s scrotum is the right size and malleable enough to make a superb possibles bag for carrying black powder accessories or other supplies.
• Deer tail fur is perfect for tying flies and tipping jigs for crappie and bass fishing.
• The uses for antlers are endless, only limited by your imagination. The tips can make lovely pieces of jewelry, including bolo ties, pins, pendants and key chain holders, just to name a few. You don’t even have to be a hunter. Finding sheds is a hobby all unto its own.
• Handy with a drill and a hacksaw? Sections of antlers make interesting napkin holders. And belt buckles.
• Dine on venison with utensil handles created from deer antlers. Or pop the cork on a bottle of wine with an antler corkscrew.
• Antlers also make beautiful and functional handles for fixed blade and folding knives.
• Once you get the hang of it, you can drape almost anything from deer antlers. You can make racks for coats, hats, even rolls of toilet paper.
• Open doors with deer antlers. They make neat old-timey door latches as well as pulls for drawers, cabinets and ceiling fans.
• You can add decorative touches by creating antler centerpieces for your table as well as unique picture frames and wine bottle and candle holders.
• As a turkey hunter, I love this suggestion. With a bit of leather lace and a piece of the main beam, you also can fashion a turkey tote so it’s a snap to transport a boss gobbler out of the woods. Drill two holes in the antler a couple inches apart, thread the leather thong through the holes and tie the loose ends together.

With all these new ideas, I propose the next party I attend where gifts are exchanged should feature animal arts and crafts. Imagine what fun it would be to open a present that features the craftsmanship of Mother Nature and the creativity of a friend or family member. Pure heaven! Of course, my 2009 deer season will need to be more productive than 2008.

Next time, we’ll examine Jim’s suggestions for making the most out of wild turkey feet, feathers, spurs and more.

Until then, learn more about Jim and the books he loves and sign up for his free monthly newsletter at: http://www.jimcasadaoutdoors.com/