Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => HowTo's and Build-a-longs => Topic started by: osage outlaw on November 23, 2014, 01:09:40 am

Title: How to collect long pieces of sinew
Post by: osage outlaw on November 23, 2014, 01:09:40 am: I picked up some deer legs today and thought I would post some pictures about collecting longer length pieces from deer legs. There have been some questions about collecting sinew lately. I'm not sure if this info has been posted before.

I use a hook blade utility knife to unzip the back of the leg. I start with the outer tendon and follow it up to the point of the knee/hock/or whatever you want to call it. It will flare out at the point and continue up for a few inches. Just cut it off where it transitions into muscle.

(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/Bows%202014/SDC17039.jpg)

I move it out of the way and cut the sheath around the rest of the tendons up as far as I can into the joint.

(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/Bows%202014/SDC17040.jpg)

Above the joint I find the large bundle of sinew and cut it as it turns into the muscle. Make sure and completely separate it from the muscle fibers.

(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/Bows%202014/SDC17041.jpg)

Flip the leg over and cut the small tendon next to the bone loose from the muscle.

(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/Bows%202014/SDC17042.jpg)

If you have them separated from the muscle they will easily pull out from below the joint. If they don'e come loose they are probably still attached to the muscle somewhere.

Down at the other end cut the skin down to each hoof pad.

You can follow the sinew to where it goes into the hoof. Cut it off there and cut the sheath loose.

(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/Bows%202014/SDC17043.jpg)

What you are left with is a long piece leg of sinew. The front legs are similar except the sinew runs up the inside of the joint and they are shorter but easier to remove.

(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/Bows%202014/SDC17044.jpg)
Title: Re: How to collect long pieces of sinew
Post by: lebhuntfish on November 23, 2014, 04:59:19 am: Thanks for posting, I just did this for the 5th time Thursday. I'm getting pretty good at it now. I just need more deer to practice with! Patrick
Title: Re: How to collect long pieces of sinew
Post by: JW_Halverson on November 23, 2014, 02:30:13 pm: Excellent description, Clint! With your technique, people will get a good 4-5 inches more sinew per leg. Short sinew is still sinew...but most of the heartache of working with sinew is that is could always stand to be a bit longer.

Advice like this is certainly worth the price of admission to this site!
Title: Re: How to collect long pieces of sinew
Post by: burchett.donald on November 23, 2014, 04:19:09 pm: Thanks for posting this Clint... 8)
Don
Title: Re: How to collect long pieces of sinew
Post by: lebhuntfish on November 23, 2014, 05:04:41 pm: Quote from: JW_Halverson on November 23, 2014, 02:30:13 pm
Excellent description, Clint! With your technique, people will get a good 4-5 inches more sinew per leg. Short sinew is still sinew...but most of the heartache of working with sinew is that is could always stand to be a bit longer.

Advice like this is certainly worth the price of admission to this site!

Well said, JW!
Title: Re: How to collect long pieces of sinew
Post by: Billinthedesert on December 16, 2014, 07:08:06 pm: Very nice, Osage. Owe you one! Was that from a whitetail or a mule deer, not that it makes any difference?

8)
Title: Re: How to collect long pieces of sinew
Post by: osage outlaw on December 16, 2014, 07:24:18 pm: It was from a whitetail. Glad this helped you out.
Title: Re: How to collect long pieces of sinew
Post by: chamookman on December 17, 2014, 04:25:32 am: Just saw this Clint. Bravo - well done ! Bob
Title: Re: How to collect long pieces of sinew
Post by: lebhuntfish on November 29, 2015, 02:56:23 pm: It's that time of year again. Thought I would bring this back to life. I've been doing quite a bit of sinew removal lately myself. Got about 2 dozen legs left in the fridge right now! Patrick
Title: Re: How to collect long pieces of sinew
Post by: lebhuntfish on November 29, 2015, 02:58:38 pm: Thanks a bunch Clint!
Patrick