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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Elksong on June 04, 2008, 06:28:00 PM

Title: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Elksong on June 04, 2008, 06:28:00 PM
Just wondering how many of you wear Buckskin clothing to hunt in?  If you do what do you do to waterproof them?
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Leland on June 04, 2008, 07:04:00 PM
I have a time or two.I rub them with Snow Seal,then melt it in with a hair dryer.Those skins are 28 years old & black from dirt & blood & whatever else I've fell or rolled in over the years.Still shed water pretty good.  Leland
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Blackhawk on June 04, 2008, 07:19:00 PM
I love the looks and the "romance" of buckskin clothing, but still think I will stay with my Filson wool.  I believe braintan clothing is much softer, will breathe, and is water repellant if properly "smoked"/
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Slickheadhunter on June 04, 2008, 07:27:00 PM
Where can you buy a buck skin shirt?
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on June 04, 2008, 07:30:00 PM
From an Indian.  :p
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Biggie Hoffman on June 04, 2008, 08:21:00 PM
Like Blackhawk, the romanticism of wearing buckskins to hunt in is sometimes overwhelming. But I'm just a leetle bit scared of being the same color as a deer........
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Elksong on June 04, 2008, 08:36:00 PM
slickhead -I got mine off of e-bay.  

I do not hunt real cold weather here. So wool is too hot and i am thinking that the buckskin may be also.  But i am gonna try.

Biggie - I also have some reservations about being that EXACT same color as an Elk! I do not hunt in a crowded area, but I will be nervous anyway!
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Elksong on June 04, 2008, 08:37:00 PM
Blackhawk, this shirt is not "smoked at all.  I figure I am going to have to put some type of sealant on it.
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Shovelbuck on June 04, 2008, 08:45:00 PM
I have been for a couple seasons now. They are great to wear. Comfortable and quiet. Unfortunately, some lowlife stole these a couple days after this photo was taken.
I do have a new set being made.

(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b316/Shovelbuck/Hunting%20Season%2008/100_0897-Copy.jpg)
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: KentuckyTJ on June 04, 2008, 08:48:00 PM
I'm with Biggie on this one. But I have to set you straight Biggie.  No pants and skin tone legs looks a whole lot like buckskins to an approaching gun hunter.
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Elksong on June 04, 2008, 08:49:00 PM
Shovel buck - Those are nice! Sorry about the scumbag, hopefully they will turn up.
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: BodarkOkie on June 04, 2008, 08:55:00 PM
Biggie...

QuoteBut I'm just a leetle bit scared of being the same color as a deer........
You're kinda like me.  No one that can see to hunt is going to mistake either of US as a deer!!   :bigsmyl:

An elk or possibly a moose, but NOT a deer!

Gene
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Zbone on June 04, 2008, 08:59:00 PM
Shovelbuck - Who makes them for ya?
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Dutchman on June 04, 2008, 09:28:00 PM
Too hot for 'skins for the Georgia bow season. Maybe just a breach clout and moccasins.   :D
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Shovelbuck on June 04, 2008, 09:33:00 PM
Zbone, PM sent.
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Flinttim on June 04, 2008, 09:35:00 PM
When I got my first set of 'skins about 20 years ago (still have them), the guy who made them told me not to hang them on the clothesline or a biker would steal them. LOL.BTW you can wash buckskins. Woolite, gentle cycle, and in the final rinse pour in some Lexol. Couple ounces should do. Tumble on no heat in the dryer until near dry , then put them on and dry them the rest of the way, "on site" so to speak. Also you want pants or leggings to be long to begin with and wear them and let them wear down to the perfect length, which should drag the ground a bit. BTW ther's nothing colder than leather skins in the winter.
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Elksong on June 04, 2008, 09:37:00 PM
Flinttim - Are the skins cold even with longhandles under 'em?
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Shovelbuck on June 04, 2008, 09:40:00 PM
Never got cold with my pants. All though they were fairly heavy elk hide.
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Flinttim on June 04, 2008, 09:59:00 PM
Seems in the winter the moisture likely causes the cold more than the actual temp. If you can get thermals on under the skins you would be fine.A good compromise for winter would be cotton or linen knee breeches and bucksin leggings. My leggings are elk  and do well in this setup.
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Ron LaClair on June 05, 2008, 07:56:00 AM
This is an older picture....can you tell?     :rolleyes:   These skins hang on my wall now.

   (http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/buckskin%20bowman.jpg)
  (http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/buckskinner001.jpg)
  (http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/buckskinner.jpg)
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Elksong@work on June 05, 2008, 10:57:00 AM
Ron,
 Those are great pictures!  Did you do anything special to those skins for hunting, as far as water proofing?
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Flinttim on June 05, 2008, 12:05:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/Flinttim/Bows%20and%20stuff/CCF06052008_00000-1.jpg)
Ron , when I wanted my first set of skins I asked a friend how he got that rich dark color of his 'skins. He said it came from a hundred campfires and bacon grease, dirt and blackpowder smoke. LOL. I opted to buy mine already dark .LOL
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: StandingStone on June 05, 2008, 12:42:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Slickheadhunter:
Where can you buy a buck skin shirt?
If you or anyone interested I can send you an address of a lady that lives here in central Pa that makes them. Thats all she does for a living making 1700's period clothing, she can make you a full british uniform to a normal woodsmens outfit.

I don't know whoever if I would wear a buckskin shirt however. I have seen people that have them and they say they are really hot. If you wanna go with traditional clothing I would say the best thing would be buckskin pants, muzzlin shirt, and a hunting frock if it was chilly.
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: John Nail on June 05, 2008, 05:01:00 PM
I have a shirt made from Mule deer skins, and I really like it for early deer season. It slips through the briars where they bed without a sound.
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Flinttim on June 05, 2008, 06:04:00 PM
If you are interested in primitive clothing check out this website

http://www.historicaltrekking.com/
Lots of vendors listed for clothing.
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Elksong on June 05, 2008, 06:35:00 PM
cool site, Flintim. Thanks!
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: pintail_drake2004 on June 05, 2008, 07:28:00 PM
i would like a pair. where can i get some? I have always been interested in them, and admire those who actually use them to hunt.
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Slickheadhunter on June 05, 2008, 08:05:00 PM
Thanks standing stone,I would love the address.I have seen the buckskin a dark chocolate color and thats what I would lean towards because of safety reasons.It gets cold here in New Hampshire and almost always have tracking snow for muzzleloader seasothe first week of November up where my camp is in northern NH.so if they are warm...thats a good thing.
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Flinttim on June 05, 2008, 09:28:00 PM
http://www.garysgunsmithshop.com/
I bought mine from Gary a long long time ago. The kit form is easy and saves some $$$. Gary has a booth at Friendship every shoot, so I guess I've know him for nigh on 27 years.
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: pintail_drake2004 on June 05, 2008, 10:04:00 PM
Thanks. they sure have some nice looking stuff. im going to have to look into that. Appreciate the help
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Ron LaClair on June 05, 2008, 11:26:00 PM
The skins in the pictures I posted, I made myself. Many hours of cutting and sewing a lock stitch with artificial sinew. Don't use cow hide. Deer skin is softer and cooler. I've worn my skins in the summer and stayed cool because deer skin "breaths". just wear it right next to your skin. In colder weather wear long johns or something under them.

For a pattern I took apart an old pair of jenes and a shirt. A word of caution if you make your own...deer skin stretches so pre stretch the hides by pulling on them by hand. Still you'll have to make them snug and they'll stretch some more.

  (http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Strange_%20breed.jpg)
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: bowmac on June 05, 2008, 11:26:00 PM
I prefer braintan leggings and layered clothing underneath depending on weather conditions. Even with indigo blue dyed shirt I have not had problems scaring the deer away.

(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q271/bowmac_photos/FtMcAlister.jpg)
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Elksong@work on June 06, 2008, 10:39:00 AM
OK, since leggings have been brought up.....What does a guy wear "under" the leggings?
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Elksong@work on June 06, 2008, 10:42:00 AM
Ron, that is an awesome set-up there, that horse is a little newer than what the original Mountain man used though.
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: phil_des_bois on June 06, 2008, 01:11:00 PM
is it better smouth or rough side out ?
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Elksong on June 06, 2008, 08:27:00 PM
ttt
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: bowmac on June 06, 2008, 08:54:00 PM
I wear cotton or wool breeches underneath the leggings depending on weather. Or if its hot I wear a breechclout instead of breeches.
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Flinttim on June 07, 2008, 07:07:00 AM
Cotton or wool breechclout depending on weather or knee breeches. If you go with a wool breech clout , line the "working side" with light cotton cloth. You'll thank me.Oh, and most make their breechclouts way too long. I've seen them down past the knees. A proper length would be one barely peeking out below the shirt (depending on length of shirt). Best way to know is visit some sites like historical trekking. com and look at lots of pics. There's nothing cooler than a good pair of leggings and a proper breech cloth.
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Toklat1 on June 07, 2008, 08:03:00 AM
Another site to go to is  www.dixiegunworks.com (http://www.dixiegunworks.com)   Look under clothing and accessories and you can find buckskin and patterns to make your own. I've never done it however just thought I would pass on the information.
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: tecum-tha on June 08, 2008, 05:03:00 PM
If you buy commercial buckskin you will feel miserable. But braintan buckskin clothing is great to hunt in if the weather is right. Smoking will not waterproof braintan buckskins. The smoke will make the skin dry back soft after it got wet. If you're interested in th real deal,then see:  www.leatherwoodcrafts.com (http://www.leatherwoodcrafts.com)

By the way, I have 2 shirts,2 pair of leggings and breachcloths and a pair of pants all make from braintan buckskin.
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: tecum-tha on June 26, 2008, 10:55:00 AM
here is a link to a picture wearing my braintan buckskin pants,quiver and bag and my wool shirt at a shoot in january: it was sunny but temp has been in the 30ties. Wore no long underwear for that.Been comfy anyways.
 http://www.helmut-dittrich.com/gallery/Bogenschiessen/20080203%20Eisenbachsee/g_exhibits/DSC_0027.html  

 http://www.helmut-dittrich.com/gallery/Bogenschiessen/20080203%20Eisenbachsee/g_exhibits/DSC_0020.html

http://www.helmut-dittrich.com/gallery/Bogenschiessen/20080203%20Eisenbachsee/g_exhibits/DSC_0031.html
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Elksong on June 26, 2008, 05:14:00 PM
Thanks for the pic's tecum-the!  I have one shirt I bought and have a second shirt and pants on the way.  Hopefully they will be here soon, although it has been kinda hot here and I think it would be almost too hot to wear buckskins.
Title: Re: Buckskins for hunting?
Post by: Ron LaClair on June 26, 2008, 06:21:00 PM
This painting by Marian Anderson was done from a photograph. Moose skin Frock over over deerskin leggings and wool Breech clout. Otter quiver and Osage bow.

  (http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Longhunter002.jpg)