Once rutting season ends, whitetail deer are known to shed their antlers. Some of the deer sheds are large enough to mount or create massive craft projects. Other deer sheds are quite small. Those smaller deer sheds often leave hunters perplexed about what to do with them. If you count yourself among the perplexed masses, you may want to check out my list of the top five ways to utilize small deer sheds. Here it is:
First of all, you may want to consider using small deer antlers to create hunting knives and kitchen cutlery. That’s what my grandfather would do with many of the smaller deer antlers that he’d stumble across each season. If you have never crafted a hunting knife out of a deer antler before, there are instructions available online. I can tell you from experience that you’ll need to purchase a finger guard, a knife blade, wax and high strength epoxy. Of course you’ll also need to have some basic wood carving tools, a Dremel, a power drill and a rubber lined swivel vise on hand. Depending on your skill level, you could feasibly complete several deer antler handled hunting knives in a week’s time.
Door Handles, Pulls and Knobs
A second way to utilize small deer antlers is to convert them into door handles, pulls and knobs. All three are easy projects that don’t require a lot of tools or money. Basically, all you’ll need to do is cut and sand the deer antlers so that they set flush against your door. Once that’s done, simply drill pilot holes into the deer antlers and the door. Next, screw the deer antlers into place. That’s all that there is to making a basic deer antler door handle, pull or knob. Some folks also opt to get even more creative and add gem stones and other adornments to the deer antlers. Personally, I prefer the natural look.
Coat Pegs and Hat Racks
A third way to utilize small deer antlers is to create a series of coat pegs or hat racks. In order to make a coat peg or hat rack out of a small deer antler, you’ll need a saw, a power drill, sandpaper, long screws and high strength epoxy. Start the project by cutting and sanding one end of the deer antler. Then use your power drill to create a hole in the center of the deer antler that is big enough to accommodate the head of your screw. Afterward, insert the screw, head side down, into the deer antler and secure it into place with the high strength epoxy. Once the epoxy dries, your deer antler coat peg or hat rack will be ready for installation.
Hatbands, Bolo Ties, Belt Buckles and Jewelry
A fourth way to utilize small deer antlers is to transform them into beautiful hatbands, bolo ties, belt buckles and other personal adornments. You will, however, need a good deal of patience, basic jewelry making supplies and a few tools in order to get the job done. Jewelry making supplies may typically be purchased through major craft stores or specialty shops like Rio Grande. A few of the jewelry making items that you’ll want to consider purchasing are bolo tips, belt buckle mounts and cuff link bases.
Rattlers
A fifth way to utilize small deer antlers is to use them as rattlers during next year’s rut. In my opinion, the smaller deer antlers work better as rattlers than the larger deer antlers because they don’t take up as much space. If you do decide to go that route, just place the deer antlers inside a re-sealable plastic bag and store them with the rest of your hunting gear.
Source: Personal Experience
Killeen Gonzalez has a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. She frequently enjoys the great outdoors and completing craft projects with her family.
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