Elk hair or deer hair

[Gstebler 0]

I have a complete elk hide and deer hide. I typically cut sections of deer hide and cure with borax. I now have elk to use as well. Can elk and deer be used interchangeably? I have two elk manes too. The hair is quite long and coarse. What applications could I use the elk main in? And will it take color like the deer hide. After I cure the deer hide I use koolaid to dye the hide. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[fshng2 0]

Check out article by Charlie Craven

https://midcurrent.com/flies/fly-tying-hair-selection/

 

Koolaid will work on either but acid dyes are more vibrant.

Acid dyes work on protein fibers like Silk, wool, hair (fur), feathers, etc.

 

Dharma sells: Jacquard and Dharma acid dyes

https://www.dharmatrading.com/dyes/jacquard-acid-dyes.html?lnav=dyes.html

https://www.dharmatrading.com/dyes/dharma-acid-dyes.html?lnav=dyes.html

 

Lure-Parts-Online Sells: Fly Dye

http://www.lurepartsonline.com/Online-Store/AccessoriesLPO/Anglers-Fly-Dyes.html

 

Dying Basics: https://www.dharmatrading.com/techniques/tubdye/tub-dyeing-basics-with-dharma-acid-dye.html?lnav=techniques_tubdye.html

[SilverCreek 0]

I have a complete elk hide and deer hide. I typically cut sections of deer hide and cure with borax. I now have elk to use as well. Can elk and deer be used interchangeably? I have two elk manes too. The hair is quite long and coarse. What applications could I use the elk main in? And will it take color like the deer hide. After I cure the deer hide I use koolaid to dye the hide. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

There are 4 main things you need to know.

1. You can’t just take of hide and expect that piece to be good for tying all kinds of flies. Consult the hair chart below which gives you an idea of which part of the hide you want.

http://globalflyfisher.com/tie-better/selecting-deer-hair

2. Early season deer will have shorter hair with shorter black tips. This early season hair is better fro tying dry flies like comparaduns. The hair continues to grow into winter and gets longer, making the tips longer and less even.

3. Deer from different areas of the county have differ types of hair and the hair will even vary with diet.

4. Because of the variation of the hair, it will be difficult for a beginner to pick out the hair he needs because he won’t know what hair he needs and he can’t judge the quality.

 

[Gstebler 0]

Thx for the info. My deer are all Late November deer as are my elk. In other words, long thick hair with long guard hairs, which I have to assume would be the tips. Generally, I only take hair from the belly, neck, and rump. However, I opted for a whole hide this last go round. The illustration will help tremendously. Thank you