Quote:
Originally Posted by 1BUCKWILD1
just wondering how many days or hours after they are shot with out being put in the freezer is the velvet and cape good for?
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Maybe a day or two, maybe less.
This really depends on the state of the velvet when you make the kill. The velvet may already be loose, ready to shed. It may not be possible to save this stuff in such a case.
Like a hair-on-hide you want to save, Get the antlers in as cool a place asap.
A couple of other options if there is no cool place available, say you are on an extended backcountry trip, is to salt the velvet, or even better, drain and inject the velvet yourself, very easy to do.
The best option is be prepared and bring some Velvet tanning solution and a syringe with you on the trip.
Use Knoblocks "Antler in Velvet tan" Available from AAA Taxidermy supply. You will also need a large hypodermic needle and syringe. With the syringe, puncture the antler tips, then inject the tanning solution into the veins at the base. The blood will flow out from the tips. Keep injecting the fluid until all the blood is flushed out of the velvet. Then brush on the tanning solution on the outside of the antlers, hang and let dry for 4-5 days.
Do this immediately after you get the buck.
I did this one with Antler in Velvet about 5 years ago. It's still in great shape.