The Unique Beauty and Versatility of Axis Deer Hides

The Unique Beauty of Axis Deer Hides

Axis deer, also known as chital deer, are a species of deer native to the Indian subcontinent. While they may not be as well known as deer species like whitetail or mule deer, axis deer have a beauty all their own. This is especially apparent in the hides of these animals.

Axis deer hides display a gorgeous pattern of spots and stripes, unlike any other deer species. This unique coating makes axis deer hides quite striking and desirable for use in clothing, accessories, decoration, and more. Their hides can be tanned into fine leather or used with the hair left on as a taxidermy mount or rug.

The Spotted Coat of Axis Deer

The most distinctive feature of an axis deer hide is the animal's spotted coat. Each axis deer has a different pattern of white spots along its back and sides, almost like a fingerprint. These bright white spots stand out vividly against the deer's base coat color, which can range from reddish brown to fawn. A dark stripe also runs down the length of the deer's spine.

This spotted pattern serves as camouflage for the deer in the dappled light of their forested habitat. When axis deer are stationary, the spots and stripes break up their outline, helping them blend into vegetation. But this camouflage makes for eye-catching hides once the animals are harvested.

In addition to the spotted coat, axis deer hides often display short, coarse mane hair along the neck. This mane runs darker in color than the rest of the deer's coat. The mane hairs can be retained for an attractive accent when tanning or mounting hides.

Quality Axis Deer Hides

For the highest quality axis deer hides, hunters and processors need to be careful in their approach. Any holes, tears, or blemishes made to the hide during harvest or skinning will decrease its value and beauty. Care must also be taken to flesh, salt, and tan or treat the hide properly after skinning.

The age and health of the deer also impact hide quality. Older animals tend to have more scars or rub marks in their coats from a lifetime in the wild. And deer in poor condition will have less luster to their hair. For prime hides, younger, healthy axis deer in their prime should be targeted.

Since axis deer do not shed their coats, they can be hunted or harvested for their hides throughout the year. But coats will be thickest and fullest during colder months, making winter the best season to take deer if hide quality is a priority.

Tanning Axis Deer Hides

Once an axis deer is harvested and skinned, the work of caring for the hide begins. Proper tanning preserves the hide and prevents decay while bringing out its best qualities. Several tanning methods exist, with different processes suited to particular end uses of the hide.

For trophy taxidermy mounts, the hide is often preserved through specialized freeze drying or dry preserving techniques. This maintains the deer's natural contours and coat. Using chemicals or heat could damage the fur's look.

To produce supple axis deer leather, wet tanning using chromium or other compounds is required. This stabilizes the hide's proteins and prevents decay. The hair is generally removed, though it can sometimes be left on for a "hair-on" leather.

Brain tanning is another traditional method that employs animal brains and fats to achieve soft, finished leather. This process takes significant time and expertise but yields excellent results.

Uses for Axis Deer Hides

Once tanned, axis deer hides are ready to display their beauty and uniqueness. Their striking appearance and soft feel when tanned make them desirable for many applications.

As mentioned already, taxidermists often utilize axis deer hides to craft shoulder or full body mounts. The hides provide a perfect canvas to recreate the deer's natural form and spotted coat. Finished trophy mounts highlight the appeal of axis deer hides.

For interior decoration, axis deer hides can become the centerpiece of any room as upholstery or area rugs. Their lush warmth and eye-catching spots add aesthetic appeal. Hair-on hides can be used as throws or wall hangings too.

In fashion, axis deer leather makes for supple, durable garments and accessories. From handbags to shoes, belts, wallets, and jackets, the leather's exotic look elevates any outfit. Some specialty tanneries even offer hair-on axis deer leather for a novel, tactile effect.

Beyond clothing and decor, the hides also produce striking drumheads for musicians. Paired with drums like the traditional Indian tabla, the hides create robust, nuanced sound.

Availability of Axis Deer Hides

For those looking to purchase quality axis deer hides, specialty hide and leather dealers offer the best selection. Many taxidermists and tanneries also sell retail inventory of untanned hides or finished leather.

In the United States, axis deer were first introduced to Texas game ranches in the 1930s. Their population has grown substantially over the decades, so Texas offers abundant hide availability. Specialty ranches may even have hides for sale direct to consumers.

Purchasing hides internationally is also an option. India has long been a primary source of axis deer hides. But selection and quality vary greatly among tanneries and sellers there. Careful vetting is required to find reputable vendors.

When browsing hide dealers, buyers should scrutinize hide photos for damage, check credentials and reviews, ask questions about sourcing, and request samples to ensure satisfaction. This helps find the highest caliber of axis deer hides on the market.

Preserving and Displaying Axis Deer Hides

For collectors or hobbyists who want to preserve and display their own axis deer hides at home, proper handling is crucial after skinning to create an attractive finished piece. While tanning is optimal, even untanned hides can become great decorative objects with care.

Caring for Hides After Skinning

Once removed from the animal, axis deer hides are vulnerable to bacteria and insects. To prevent damage, they should first be fleshed to remove any tissue or fat on the underside. Salt is then liberally applied to dry and preserve the hide.

Wet hides can also be placed in a freezer until ready to work on further. This halts decomp and allows time to arrange tanning services if desired. Freezing may stiffen hides slightly but does no major harm.

If the deer's original form will be mounted, a taxidermist can skin and flesh the animal, then preserve the hide with customers’ preferred chemicals or freezing methods. This best retains the hide’s natural shape and beauty intact.

DIY Tanning or Treating

For those who want to tan or treat their own hides at home, a variety of DIY options are available. While chemicals like chromium salts or oxalic acid provide the most durable results, natural approaches work too.

Vegetable tanning employs plant material high in tannins like oak bark or leaves. Repeated soaking of the hide in a tannin solution eventually preserves and stiffens the leather.

Oil tanning or buffing out utilizes animal fats or oils to achieve suppleness and water resistance in the hide without harsh chemicals. Neatsfoot oil and brain matter are commonly used.

Smoke tanning suspends hides above smoldering hardwood fires to absorb preservative smoke components. This imparts darker color and luster while imparting rot resistance.

Mounting and Display

For decorative display in the home, both tanned and untanned hides can produce striking effects. As wall hangings, hides look great mounted on frames or boards, folded to highlight the mane, or affixed as loose billows.

Full taxidermy mounts on appropriate backdrops are also visually impressive. Careful spot or perimeter lighting can accentuate the hides’ features and colors.

On floors or furniture, tanned hides and furs serve as warm, eye-catching rugs. Their soft texture underfoot feels luxurious while the rich colors and patterns grab interest.

Tips like rolling edges or adding leather ties, rivets, or decorative beading give unique finishing touches. This elevates any axis deer hide display into a true work of art.

Hunting Axis Deer for Their Hides and Meat

For hunters and outdoorsmen, axis deer provide not only beautiful hides but also excellent meat. Their swift, wary nature offers a challenging stalk. And they can thrive in a variety of habitats from Texas to Hawaii and beyond.

Best Places to Hunt Axis Deer

Texas has the highest axis deer numbers in the United States by far. Free ranging wild populations occur in many areas as well as on private hunting ranches. Both still hunting and spot-and-stalk tactics produce success.

Hawaii hosts growing herds on islands like Lanai, Molokai, and Maui. Deer often congregate near agricultural fields. Stalking through the island brush offers rewarding fair chase hunts.

California, Mississippi, and Alabama have localized wild axis deer populations as well, though much smaller than Texas and Hawaii. Again, still hunting or stalking in natural terrain can be effective.

For the widest range of trophy class bucks, specialty game ranches cater to hunters worldwide. These operations intensively manage herds for superior antlers and populations.

Hunting Tactics for Axis Deer

Axis deer stick to thick cover during daylight hours, so patient ambush tactics work best. Sitting quietly near trails, water sources, or agricultural edges allows hunters to intercept deer movements.

Stalking through the vegetation can also produce opportunities. Sneaking along slowly while scanning ahead helps hunters spot bedded deer or catch them unaware as they feed.

Stand hunting from elevated blinds offers another good option. Placement along travel corridors in mornings and evenings intercepts deer activity. Calling with doe bleat sounds can pull curious bucks into bow or gun range too.

Where legal, spotlighting or thermal optics allow hunters to locate axis deer more easily at night when they emerge to graze more openly. This tactic helps overcome their reclusive daytime habits.

Field Care for Axis Deer

A well-placed broadside or quartering away shot helps avoid damaging the axis deer's hide during harvest. Once the animal is down, it should be field dressed swiftly. The carcass can then be transported from the hunting site for skinning.

If skinning must be done in the field, caution is required to avoid cuts, tears or contamination. The opened body cavity and exposed flesh should also be cooled down appropriately if air temperatures are warm.

Packing each hide out carefully, with flesh and hair sides rolled inward, minimizes rubbing or dirt accumulation. This keeps damage and staining to a minimum before full fleshing and treatment can be done.

Conclusion

Axis deer offer a truly unique and stunning hide unlike any other deer. From their spotted coats to soft, supple leather, axis hides are prized commodities. They can become showpiece mounts and rugs or be fashioned into elegant clothing and décor.

With proper care during and after harvest, plus attentive tanning or preparation, axis deer hides reveal their full splendor. For craftsmen and artisans, few materials provide such a rewarding canvas to work with. And for hunters, claiming an axis deer makes for a trophy taken in beauty as much as antler size.

FAQs

What is unique about axis deer hides?

Axis deer hides display a beautiful spotted pattern unlike any other deer species. This striking camouflage coat makes axis hides highly desirable.

Where can I find axis deer hides for sale?

Specialty leather and taxidermy shops offer axis hides, as do some direct vendors in areas like Texas where axis deer are hunted. Checking seller reviews helps find quality hides.

How are axis deer hides tanned?

Wet chemical tanning with chromium produces soft leather. Brains or oils are used for DIY tanning. For taxidermy, hides may be freeze-dried or preserved with chemicals.

What are some uses for tanned axis hides?

The leather makes clothing, accessories, upholstery, and more. Untanned hides can become decorative wall hangings, area rugs, or taxidermy mounts.

Where can I hunt axis deer in the United States?

Free-range populations exist in Texas, Hawaii, California, Alabama and Mississippi. Specialty game ranches also offer managed trophy axis deer hunts.