Freeze drying velvet North Idaho

[Tweeder]

Does anyone know of a commercial sized freeze dryer operation around North Idaho (or beyond) that will freeze dry velvet?

I’ve heard at least one taxidermist around here is able to send batches of velvet bucks to be freeze dried at I believe Rose lake elk ranch. I left them a message and haven’t heard anything back. Not sure if they would take in just an individual rack.

If not what do we all think of Velvet lok?
Or is the old school Formaldehyde method the best way?

 

[highcountrymuley]

Liqua-tan from Bess Maid products out of Louisiana. My bro used on velvet buck a couple years ago and his taxi said it was best/ most well-preserved velvet he had seen

 

[PanhandlePilgrim]

Might call a local taxidermist. Nick at Wildlife Creations will probably get you headed in the right direction even if you're not going to use his services.

 

[Tweeder]

I

Liqua-tan from Bess Maid products out of Louisiana. My bro used on velvet buck a couple years ago and his taxi said it was best/ most well-preserved velvet he had seen

thanks! I’ll look into that stuff

 

[Tweeder]

Might call a local taxidermist. Nick at Wildlife Creations will probably get you headed in the right direction even if you're not going to use his services.

Im using a local taxidermist, Untamed taxidermy. He’s a nice older gentleman who works out of shop and so far has been a joy to deal with but he’s just not super familiar with velvet it seems. I guess you don’t get much velvet coming in in North Idaho. Wildlife creations is who did my mount last time and I’m pretty sure they freeze dried my rack at the elk ranch. I didn’t wanna go ask him to freeze dry my rack now since I’m not having him mount it but maby I will go ask. Thanks

 

[Grizz208]

Nick is a pretty solid dude from wildlife creations I doubt he would care if you used him or not. He would help you out with preserving the velvet.

 

[johnsd16]

Nick had a velvet rack freeze dried for me by someone locally, maybe over by wolf lodge or rose lake, I don’t know but he can get it done. Turned out great.

 

[Tweeder]

Thanks for the replies. I guess I should have taken it to nick in the first place but i wanted to try out this small mom and pop place as I like to support those kinds of businesses. But now i find myself paying full price and having to take care of the velvet myself. Idk maby that’s normal

 

[Habitat#1]

we have used velvetlok on several and they are all still good

 

[bergie]

I used this stuff last year, just injected into the antler until the outflow was no longer blood-colored. Then used a brush to apply a coat to the outside and the velvet looks great still. I read a couple bad reviews on Velvalok that scared me away but now I seem to read a lot more positive reviews. Sure would be easier to just spray it down and forget it.

Antler Preservative-Velvet Tan

Buy Antler Velvet Tan for only $17.95 at Matuska Taxidermy Supply Company!

shop.matuskataxidermy.com

 

[Tweeder]

we have used velvetlok on several and they are all still good

Have you ever used velvetlok after the rack has been in the freezer for a while? I’ve seen where your supposed to put it on as soon as possible and then set it in the sun for a few days so I’m skeptical experimenting on this beautiful deer

 

[bergie]

Have you ever used velvetlok after the rack has been in the freezer for a while? I’ve seen where your supposed to put it on as soon as possible and then set it in the sun for a few days so I’m skeptical experimenting on this beautiful deer

I've read the best thing to do and what taxidermists do is freeze dry them. Access to a freezer dryer is obviously limited but in the article they said if you just leave it in your freezer for a year or so, not wrapped in plastic, it does the same thing as freeze drying. If you have the freezer space and the patience it might be worth researching that option.