Velvet Care

DMCHUNTER

Active Member
Messages
285
Well the archery seasons are fast aproching and a lot of tags will be wrapped around some trophies in full velvet. What methodes of curring have you used and what do you think is the best method.
 
I know most taxidermist use a fermaldahyde(spelling) to inject the velvet then dry it in front of a fan.

alpinebowman

>>>---shots that are true pass right through--->
 
Formaldahyde doesn't necessarily need to be injected, it absorbs incredibly well...just get some on your hands and you'll beleive me. The needle trick only works if you do it at the kill site and the blood vessels are still open. I was doing it that one day and some juice squirted out of a hole in the velvet and went right into my eye...off to the hospital i went!!
We now put on rubber gloves and rub it into the velvet with great success, and without the danger of stabbing yourself with a needle full of juice.
Just be careful with the stuff, do NOT get it into your eyes and wash skin immediately if you happen to get some on you....you'll know if you do!! :-(
 
Don't mess with Formaldehyde. There are alot safer products that work just as well and are not a carcinogen. Here is one product that has worked well for me...



http://www.vandykestaxidermy.com/product/01001521/



horsepoop.gif
 
As long as it's warm, dry, and there's a breeze, they should dry out just fine in a few days. You should only "cure" them if it's raining or you're afraid they're going to rot.
 
Some taxidermists are using freeze-dryers to preserve velvet. This method works incredibly well in my experience, and ensures absolute preservation.
 
>Don't mess with Formaldehyde. There are
>alot safer products that work
>just as well and are
>not a carcinogen. Here is
>one product that has worked
>well for me...


Ditto, I bought some and it works great. Its non-carcinogenic too so it doesn't cause cancer like formaldehyde does.


-DallanC
 
How does that hold up to bug larvae though? One of the things tanning chemicals do is help fight against bug larvae. Just curious...


-DallanC
 
Here's what's worked for me over the years.

If you want to properly preserve velvet antlers IN THE FIELD, you will have to inject & brush them with formaldehyde and/or some of the new less toxic chemicals (4 in 1 solution works great). I personally don't like Velvet Tan, as it didn't work as well as other solutions I've mentioned. I was taught this technique by a very respected taxidermist whose specialty was velvet antlers.

First, with a razor blade, make very small incisions at the tips of all points (less than 1/8"). Hang the antlers upside down, allowing the blood to drain. Starting at the bases inject the solution into the veins (you'll see and feel them) that follow the antler. You will begin to see the solution "push" out blood towards the tips. Continue injecting the solution as you work the untreated blood towards the tips. When you reach the ends, make sure you've treated ALL the veins on each antlers. You'll quit injecting solution when the color of the solution is the same coming out as it was going in.

Allow the antlers to hang upside down overnight. After the solution/blood has stopped dripping out the ends, use a very fine painters brush and lightly brush the velvet with the solution. This will prevent bugs from entering the velvet that has no blood. After allowing to dry, lightly "brush" out the velvet to give it the natural uniform look. Remember, wear eye protection and gloves when using formaldehyde or any other chemicals. Slow down and don't be in a hurry to finish. If done correctly, your trophy will last forever.

This of course should only be done if you're in the back country and have no way of freezing the antlers or getting them to a reputable taxidermist in a timely manner. Hope it helps.

BOHNTR )))---------->
 
You got it in your eye.

That reminds me, its only funny till someone gets hurt.... then its hilarious.

Seriously, hope your eyes were okay.
 
how long does the mount last when done like this? i have a early archery hunt too..but most people told me to scratch the velvet off cause it last longer..
 
I have a few that are close to 15 years old now......still look great. If injected thoroughly, they'll last forever.

BOHNTR )))---------->
 
There is also a product sold by most taxidermy suppliers called "antler in velvet" it works great.
 
how long can you wait to inject or coat the antlers or do you have to do it right away in the field?
 
Take a quart of turpentine and a small brush with you.....Chop the skull plate off, hang'er upside down, and brush the turpentine on the velvet.....you don't have to slop it on, just coat all of the velvet evenly.....the blood will drip off the tines overnight.....if you can keep the rack cool, all the better.....but the solution will keep ALL flies/bugs off for sure.
Crcountry
 

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