ahh! darn hooves!

[trkyman]

Today I thawed a button buck half lifesize skin to flesh, and the hooves really got me. I watched a video on deer hoof novelties to get the idea of skinning them, since I figure it's the same concept whether you're skinning for a lifesize mount or a gun rack. The guy made it look so easy. It's so hard for me to get those bones out of the hooves and dewclaws. I found a tool similar to the one the guy in the video used, and did exactly what he instructed to do in order to loosen the bone from the inside of the hoof (Run a sharp knife around it) and then I tried to twist it out with the pliers. It took lots of tries and I ended up with blisters on my hands, but I managed to get the bones out. I'm just wondering if there are any tricks or hints to doing this. It took me hours just working on the hooves. This is my first half lifesize, I was going to try a lifesize deer this year, but figured that would be too much. any help is appreciated.

[andyb]

not sure about using the real thing dont they seel fack one i am not sure myself i have them from my button buck too so i will have to try

[trkyman]

The real hooves are usually used on deer, they won't shrink bad as long as I get the bone out. its so hard though. someone on taxi.net told me to put the toes in a vise and twist the bone with a pair of pliers, it will probably work a lot better.

[trkyman]

dont squeeze too hard,hooves chip and crack pretty easily.

[Derek]

Nina, thats how I do it but not sure how you were told, but i put the leg bone in the vice not the hoof, it is a little difficult, and i know bob elzner makes it look easy, but i still dont think it is lol, good luck