Which part of bull elk hide to keep for fly tying?

[fishnguy]

I have an access to a complete skin which was taken off a bull elk a few hours ago. Which part should I keep for tying, if anything? I have never used elk hair before and know nothing about it. The skin will be disposed off in hour or two, so I would greatly appreciate it if someone with knowledge and experience provided me with an advise.

[nick0danger]

The belly!

[ShortsideK]

the scrotum

[fishnguy]

^ Serious or kidding?

Thanks for the reply, nick0danger! I got some belly, some mane and some random piece that looked good (likely will end up being useless).

[Pikebreath]

Originally Posted by fishnguy

^ Serious or kidding?

Thanks for the reply, nick0danger! I got some belly, some mane and some random piece that looked good (likely will end up being useless).

You have never heard of the elk hair caddis? Stimulators? Wing posts for parachutes? Elk hair has lots of uses....

[fishnguy]

I did hear about those! But I also mentioned, I have no experience with elk hair whatsoever in addition to being new to fly tying in general. I think I have been at it for about three months now, maybe. Just about as long as I have been fly fishing. So yes, I have no idea which part I should be keeping

There will be (hopefully) more opportunities for me keep some skin from both a bull and a cow elk this hunting season, so if anyone wants to chime in, I would greatly appreciate it. If you guys want to take it further and suggest some certain flies I can look into and the part of the body the hair come from, that would be even better!

Thanks!