Traditional - Red Deer? vs US deer/Elk leathers

[Mule]

As an 18th century (colonial) re-enactor, the deer we hunt (whitetail) was called the Virginia red deer in the trade documents of the period. The hide was highly prized in Europe because of its softness, making it perfect for gloves soft bags and any other leather items needing a soft, luxurious feel. The deer was called "red deer" because it was harvested in the summer when the deer were "redder" in color. It was taken then because there were less veins and the pores were smaller, not having to support a thick winter coat of hair. Hope this helps!

Good to know, I have a LOT of family back in Western Kentucky that hunt. I will have them save me some hides, actually, they tan them too. So, I might get lucky and them have some for me. I'm going to be doing a MacKay targe with my instructor friend and will need the hair on hide for the backside of it. On a different direction, I have a nice kit KY long rifle and Real 3 band Enfield and Percussion cap musket in my collection.

Ryan, that would be good to hear it from someone like that. My main concern is just for a few projects, I doubt I could afford OR want to work just in Elk.

Thanks for the link Joe, much appreciated.