Primitive Technology

by David Wescott

  Playing the clapper is done by slapping against anything, or by snapping in the air while keeping the wrist stiff. If you round the ends as in the drawing, the clapper can be played by rolling down the fingers on the way to the leg, creating even more rhythmic possibilities.

  Norm Kidder carefully starts the split of an elderberry clapper-stick. Note the two-bone whistle suspended around his neck.

  Removing The Hooves Of Deer

  By Tamara Wilder; ©1995

  * * *

  Each year during hunting season we acquire the lower legs of many deer from the hunters in our area. At first we dealt with them right away and the entire process...pulling out the leg sinew, skinning off the hock skin, and pulling the hooves off with pliers...went very smoothly. However, over the next few years we started letting them dry out a few days because we were too busy dealing with the skins which were arriving at the same time. By waiting to process the legs, each step became more difficult and smelly with these somewhat dried out legs.

  Some years ago we started freezing the legs until we could get to them. It was easy to remove the sinew and hock skins from the frozen legs but the hooves did not seem to slip off as easily as when they were fresh.

  That same year at a braintanning seminar, we had everything spelled out for us. We were attempting to remove the hooves from a variety of legs which had been brought by different people. Some were very fresh, some frozen, and some completely dried out. After boiling in water for about three minutes, the hooves on the dried out legs were not ready to budge at all. Those on the frozen legs would slip off, but only with the right twisting motion of the pliers. Many of the hooves ripped during the process. On fresh legs, however, the hooves pulled right off with a familiar "pop' sound. With further boiling, the dried out legs were still not ready to slip off and most of them ended up separating at the joint, leaving the bone inside the hoof which then had to be cut out with a knife.

  From this and similar experiences I began to give more time to the legs when they were fresh. I had never considered being able to remove the hooves without the aid of pliers, probably because we had dealt so often with frozen legs. Last year I decided that I was going to remove every hoof without pliers. The legs were very fresh and also very small which probably made the task easier. I boiled up a pot of water without the legs in it, carried the still bubbling water outside and stacked about twelve legs (toes down in the hot water) so that the water covered all of the hooves and dew claws.

  After two minutes I pulled out the leg which I had put in first. The hooves were gray and slightly swollen with water at the edges where they meet the skin. I know now that this is an indication that they are probably ready. I had read of pounding the hooves off, so I tried pounding the hooves with a wooden stick which accomplished nothing more than denting the hooves. By now the leg had cooled off, so I put it back in the water.

  Sitting by a bucket of hot water with legs ready to work. The simple twist and pop of fresh toes and dew claws makes this project go much faster.

  I pulled out another leg which was hot to the touch and grabbed hold of a dew claw between my thumb and forefinger and squeezed. Amazingly, the claw slipped right into my hand. The other did the same and I moved quickly to the hooves. They only moved slightly at first, but then by adding a little twist, they came off with that familiar "pop" sound. The next hoof had cooled so I dipped it back into the hot water for a few seconds and it came off easily.

  * * *

  DEER-HOOF RATTLES By Norm Kidder

  * * *

  The rest of the hooves were all easily removed without the use of pliers. While it is very important to keep everything hot, I believe that overboiling or even oversoaking can have a detrimental effect. When I was processing these legs the unfinished ones were soking in hot, not boiling,water and I noticed that the last few were wanting to separate somewhat at the joint rather than simply slipping off the bone. Boiling or oversoaking also weakens the hooves and may cause them to rip.

  Using a flint flake to trim the toes for stringing on a rattle.

  Of utmost importance in processing deer legs, or any animal part for that matter, is getting into the habit of dealing with things right away instead of letting them sit and either dry out or start to rot. Fresh things are much less likely to cause infections, which can lead to blood poisoning. In addition to hoof removal, it's just plain easier to process legs when they are fresh. This is especially true of bone which is much easier to work green (fresh). It is important to cover the fresh bone with fat and let it season slowly in a cool place. This simple step minimizes cracking.

  After the hooves and dew claws have been removed they are still soft and flexible and are easier to trim, clean and punch holes in than they will be once they are dry.Trim off the thin, whitish tissue when wet, as it becomes very sharp when it dries. Now is also a good time to remove the "frog"- the underside of the hoof which is made of a softer, less-shiny material. The edges can also be easily cut into designs while the hooves are still soft. It is best to punch holes at this time as well, because the hooves are less likely to split. Leave something in the hole as it dries, in case the hole tries to close up. If I am drilling the holes with a drill I prefer to do it after they have dried.

  If the hooves have already been dried out they can be soaked in hot water for twenty minutes or so to be made flexible again.

  As a final step, I clean the hooves with a brush, dry them in the sun and then oil them with a thin layer of deer tallow.

  Pile of deer toes ready to be strung and attached to a cannon bone handle.

  Gadgets and Geegaws

  * * *

  1-wooden tablet painted with red ochre

  2-deer-toe bone pendant

  3-acid etched clam shell

  4-bone disk pendant

  5-bone bead

  6-stone disk pedant

  7-stone pendant

  8-bone inlaid with turquoise & abalone

  9-clame shell bead

  10-turquois bead

  11-deer dew claw bead

  12-feather & seed bead dodad

  13-elk tooth pedant 15-etched clam shell

  14-arrowhead pedant 16-bone whistle bead

  17-deer antler bead

  18-etched clam shell bead

  19-stone disk pendant

  20-bone needle case

  Section 7

  Appendix

  THE HAZARDS OF ROADKILLS

  By Alice Tulloch

  * * *

  In your travels, you may be tempted to salvage an animal killed by traffic. Before you do, you should consider the potential legal and health consequenes.

  Wildlife Law

  Every State has its own set of laws and regulations that control the "taking" of wild animals. In addition, the following federal laws and international treaties may have a bearing on your actions:

  * Golden and Bald Eagle Protection Act

  (16 USC 663-668)

  * Endangered Species Act of 1973

  (16 USC 1539)

  * Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 USC 703-711)

  * Fish and Wildlife Act of1956 (16 USC 742)

  * Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972

  (16 USC 1371-1383)

  * Lacey Act (18 USC 42 &44)

  * Tariff Classification Act of 1962

  (19 USC 1202)

  * Title 50, Part 13, Code of Federal Regulations

  These federal regulations protect hundreds of migratory and resident birds. The list includes game, non-game and rare birds of all kinds. The regulations limit or prohibit the taking or possession of these animals. But the regulations also establish a permit system for the taking or possession of these birds under carefully controlled conditions. Only certain reasons are considered justification for taking or possession of each species of bird, for instance, scientific collecting, falconry, raptor propagation, agricultural depredation, or native american religious purposes. These permits are issued by the US Fish & Wildlife Service in your s
tate, from whom you can obtained detailed information about applying for a permit.

  For birds, you may also need a State permit. States have the primary responsibility for regulating the taking of all other wildlife as well. Most people are familiar with hunting licenses for taking of game animals. Read carefully your State's published hunting regulation, that detail which animals, and the allowable seasons, times and methods of taking. Generally, picking up roadkills is not listed as an approved method of taking.

  California is considered one of the most restrictive states with respect to the taking or possession of wild animal parts. Because of the state's highly diverse ethnicity, the California Dept. of Fish & Game's goal is to actively discourage the trafficking in animal parts, as the best way to keep the pressure on California native animals low. Except for deer skins and certain horns, the retail sale of any animal pelts, quills, bones, hooves, or parts is prohibited, whether game or non-game, native or introduced, killed in California or out of state. There are many exceptions and special conditions in the rules, so check with your local wildlife office for the specific pelt or part you have a question on. An example of a prohibited item is those plastic paperweights with a rattlesnake head inside. Under a trapper's license, one can take specified animals with specified methods, but only for wholesale sale out of the state. An individual may possess articles he bought out of state, made from animals (except protected and "listed" animals), but may not sell, trade or barter them. California Fish & Game has a very active sting operation that visits rendezvous, gun shows, flea markets, etc. My source adds that anything related to mountain lions is absolutely prohibited.

  Regarding roadkills, CDFG says picking them up is prohibited. You are supposed to report dead animals to the local warden or highway patrol. They then put any animals in their evidence freezer. Periodically, they'll clean it out and give the animals to the raptor rescue or predator propagation programs. Animals are no longer given for human consumption due to health concerns. I've heard of the animals being given to outdoor skills schools associated with state parks. But contact your local regional office for more information.

  What are the consequences for violation of the law? California imposes up to a $500 fine and 1 year in jail for all misdemeanors. Felonies can result in $20,000 fine and 5 years in jail.

  Other states will have regulations, laws and penalities that differ significantly from the California example. For example, sale of bear skins and claws are okay in some places, but are afelony in California. A 20 minute conversaton with your local wildlife enforcement or protection office is a must. They may also be able to tell you about special pemits for some of your activities, beyond just a hunting license for game animals.

  How are these regulations enforced? Enforcement will vary widely from area to ara. In isolated parts of Eastern Oregon, long ago, people have gotten away with bringing home one or two deer a year that collided with their pickup. But "spotlighting" deer at night was actively prosecuted. In Newfoundland, Canada, it was part of the local subsistence economy to bring home a roadkill moose, but the pickup was usually a total loss. Picking up a roadkill deer along a SF Bay Area freeway, the odds are that you'd be reported by many city drivers and vigourously prosecuted by the local wardens. The fellows shooting European red squirrels in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco went to jail.

  Community sentiments change over time, especially if some event of abuse has been highly publicized. A California Fish & Game warden told me that their main focus is on deterring the blatant or commercial exploitation of wildlife. A lot of publicity has been put out to deter the poaching of bear gall bladders for the Asian market. But the low-key individual with a flicker feather on their rear-view mirror is not so problematic for the authorities. The best advice is to err on the side of discretion and compliance with the law. Keep your license or permit with you at all times.

  Protecting Your Health

  Wildlife is considered a vast reservoir of some of the most gruesome and ancient diseases effecting man. A couple of the most devastating new diseases, HIV and New Mexico hemorrhagic pneumonia, are also associated with wildlife. Below is a synopsis of some of the diseases carried by wildlife in North America and how they are transmitted. Below are some important safety practices you should observe any time you handle wildlife, whether roadkills or game animals.

  Rabies is most commonly transmitted by a bite from an infected animal. But in handling a dead animal, exposure of an opening in your skin to the animal's body fluids could also transmit the disease. The best prevention is avoidance of infected animals or suspect carcasses. Rabies is 99.9% fatal unless treated.

  Tularemia was first associated with the skinning and dressing of wild rabbits, in 1911, near Tulare Lake, CA. It can also be carried by squirrels, moles, muskrats, beavers, and many birds, amphibians, fish, and insects (including ticks, mosquitos, and deer flies). It is transmitted by direct handling of animals, by insect bites, and by inhalation of spores. The disease begins with an abrupt fever, cough, vomiting, has relapses after several days, and can effect many parts of the body.

  Plague has devastated human populations in 3 big epidemics: the 6th Century plague of Justinian, the "Black Death" of the Middle Ages and just recently in China. The Chinese epidemic began in the mid 19th Century, and spread to the Western US by 1900. In the US, there are two focal reservoirs of plague among wild animals:

  1) Northern New Mexco, northeast Arizona,

  southern Colorado and southern Utah.

  2) California, southern Oregon, and western

  Nevada but it can occur throughout the West.

  Plague is transmitted by flea bites. It is characterized by fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If it spreads to the blood stream, it is 100% fatal. It can be treated with antibiotics, if caught early.

  Prevention includes avoidance of wild rodent fleas, elimination of rodent shelter like wood and junk piles, and insecticides. Picnic and camp grounds have been the site of many exposures in the US, due to the attraction of rodents to garbage.

  Anthrax is very rare in the US, but can still be deadly. The respiratory form of the disease begins with the inhalation of spores from infected animals. Respiratory symptoms show up in 3-5 days, followed within hours by cyanosis, shock, and death. It is treatable by antibiotics, but avoidance of exposure is wiser.

  Cellulitis is the name for an acute spreading inflammation of the soft tissues by streptococcus, staphylococcus and other bacteria. This infection is pretty common among folks that do brain-tanning. Infection is transmitted through a cut or crack in the skin. Strep and staph are always present on human skin, and certainly multiple in an animal hide soaking in water for several days. The infection can progress rapidly, and may lead to gangrene. The best prevention is good hygiene, avoid exposure to open wounds, and protective clothing.

  One added note here. Some people have developed a rash or blisters, a contact reaction to the iodine in some antibacterial soaps. Test a soap before using it intensively during a day of brain-tanning, to see if you react to any iodine.

  Tetanus shots are the best protection against tetanus, or "lockjaw." The bacteria transmitted through a wound excrete a neurotoxin. Within 7-21 days, spasms begin, followed by localized or general weakness, difficulty swallowing or chewing, increasing muscle rigidity, whole body spasm or rigidity, intense pain with spasms, bone fractures, respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.

  Hantavirus is the formal name for New Mexico hemorrhagic pneumonia, the disease identified as the cause of 13 sudden deaths in the Four Corners region in 1993. It is a serious and usually fatal disease that begins flu-like, and progresses rapidly to respiratory distress caused by accumulation of fluid in the lungs. The virus is carried by rodents and excreted in their saliva, urine and feces. Inhalation of the dust of deer mice nests, while cleaning out a shed was identified as the vector in some cases. Prevention includes avoidance of mice feces and nests, wetting down of mice nests before cleaning, and breathin
g protection devices. Effective treatment has not yet been determined.

  Trichinosis is a parasite transmitted by eating incompletely cooked foods. Food must be thoroughly cooked to 170 degrees F. Freezing, drying or microwaving the meat is not effective. In addition to swine, the parasite is known to be carried by bear and walrus. Flu-like symtoms are followed by muscle pain, skin rash, deafness, seizures, congestive heart failure and sudden death after a 3-4 week illness. Drug treatment is available.

  Salmonella is one of the many bacteria responsible for food poisoning. Transmission is by ingestion of contaminated food or water. The symtoms include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, fever. If the bacteria invade the blood stream, it becomes typhoid fever. Prevention includes proper washing of food in potable water and proper cooking.

  Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can occur in all the States, southwest Canada and Mexico. The highest rate of occurrence is in Oklahoma, North Carolina, Kansas, Texas, South Carolina and Maryland. 623 cases were reported in 1989, with a 3-4% fatality rate. The bacteria is transmitted by tick bites. Fever, headache, chills, muscle tenderness, stiff neck, vomiting, diarrhea, photophobia, cardiovascular abnormalities, characteristic skin spots especially on palms and soles, and renal dysfunction can be followed by death from renal failure. Antibiotics are effective. Protect against tick bites.