How to Safely Process Deer Legs for Crafting?

Skinning and Fleshing the Deer Legs

Skin the deer legs immediately after field dressing to prevent bacterial contamination and spoilage. Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts, removing as much flesh as possible while preserving the integrity of the tendons and ligaments. Flesh the legs by scraping the meat and connective tissue from the skin and sinew using a blunt instrument or the back of a knife.

Preparing the Sinew

Identify the tendons and ligaments, which should appear as white, fibrous tissue. Remove any excess flesh, fat, or connective tissue, then cut the tendons into manageable lengths. Soak the sinew in cold water or a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar for several hours or overnight to rehydrate and clean the fibers. Remove excess fat and impurities by washing the sinew in cold water and then stretching it to align the fibers.

Creating Rawhide and Cordage

Remove any remaining flesh and fat from the leg skin, then stretch the skin over a frame or on a surface under tension. Allow the skin to dry and cure for several days or weeks, depending on the desired level of dryness and flexibility. Once cured, use the rawhide to create cordage by cutting it into thin strips and braiding or twisting the fibers together. Alternatively, use the rawhide to create other products, such as leather strips or containers.