Back in January I taught myself how to skin a deer!
Added 2021-06-17 18:42:04 +0000 UTC~ I didn't harm her, I found her like this! ~
Whilst out walking the dog we came across this beautiful doe, in the most pristine condition, just exactly as you see in the first photos. I honestly have no idea how she died, but it sadly did look like she didn't have a great time from the leg angel marks in the dirt. There were no injuries that I could see at all though which was interesting!
At this point I was WISHING I had more experience with this stuff because how often do you find a perfect, fresh, untouched deer?! My only knowledge was from the tiny rabbit I had skinned a few months back, and that was still my first attempt and a little bit trial and error. I definitely did not feel competent enough to tackle a massive deer! I messaged a couple of local bushcrafty types and fellow vultures, but it seemed noone was around to show me what to do so I just went home. But that night I thought to myself.. "What a bummer. But also. Maybe I should just kinda...give it a go?!" So the next day I went back to that spot, strung her up in a tree and gave it a shot!
I just feel like we're so far removed from our natural ways of living and these basic survival skills are ones I would love to have down. I'll also be a valuable person to have around in a zombie apocalypse.. just sayin'. Haha. But yeah, I totally managed it! It actually went pretty smoothly (I think!) and after a few hours I had myself a deer hide to try and tan! We took her feet too, which are still in the freezer and I'm not sure what to do with them yet... Although I'm thinking little candle holders? Which could be cute. We then left the rest of her there to feed the forest. 🌿🖤
