Antler Saw?

TexAg09

TexAg09

Active member
Joined
Nov 18, 2015
Messages
377
Location
Central Texas
What saw do you take with you on a back county trip to saw off the skull cap or head? The one I took this year did not work very well at all. Any suggestions on what to use to saw off the skull cap or to saw the head off with when you are backpacking in several miles? Thanks in advance!
 
Speeddmn said:
Wyoming pack saw, or just take a hack saw blade with you and take your time.
Click to expand...

I tried the hacksaw blade this time around, and it almost dulled completely before I finally finished. I appreciate the input though. I'll have to look into the Wyoming pack saw.
 
I second the wyoming pack saw! I use the Wyoming Saw II those because I like the extra inches. Spare blades are easy to come by and I pack a spare just in case.
 
If you are just taking the head off, you only need your knife. Just work your way in between the vertebrae. For the skull cap, I used to use a small, folding saw.
 
Another nod for the Wyoming saw from me. I don't go hunting anywhere without it.
 
Stanley Saw.jpg

Use one of these, then toss it in the bushes after you are done.

$12 at Home Depot, never a busted knuckle again. Takes about 45 seconds to cut thru a skull.

Will also cut thru rib cages if you want bone-in ribs.

Allegedly, will cut wood...
 
I'm with Jose on this one. I use a cheap wood / hand saw and can usually cut through a bunch of racks before they dull- it helps to cut and peel the hide from the skull area before you start cutting, or just cut through the hide, whatever works
 
I have a Wyoming saw and am not really a fan. I tried cutting the ribs off a couple caribou with it and gave up and used a hatchet.

For years I used Knapp Saws, and decided to buy a new one to replace the Wyoming Saw. I was pretty bummed out to see that they aren't made anymore. If anyone knows where a guy can still find them, let me know.
 
I always keep the full skull for european mounts and have managed to get elk, mule deer, antelope, and bear skulls off with just a havelon and a sturdy pocket knife.
 
From knap saws to knives of Alaska saws, I have busted my knuckles and worn out my arms on them all. If you stop and make some considerate cuts, you can remove the skull, leaving the lower jaw in a fraction of the time it takes to cut the horns off. Unless you have a saws all or a chainsaw.
 
The only thing those cheap wire "survival saws" are good for is cutting antlers off of critters. They weigh almost nothing and if everyone in camp has one in their pack there will be plenty to go around.

A better alternative is this stuff. Used a spool in Alaska once and cut the antlers off of three caribou with plenty left over.

https://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=30e07aab-7b6a-11d5-a192-00b0d0204ae5
 
Josh Kuntz said:
I have used the same Gerber sliding saw for going on 10 years and I am still using the original blade. It has done skull caps, sternums, pelvises, firewood, etc. I am going to guess that it weighs maybe 4 ounces. For about $10, it is one of the best values I have ever received on any piece of gear.

https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-22-41773-Sliding-Saw/dp/B0013481TE
Click to expand...

I'll 2nd that. One tip I would give is to use your knife to cut away all of the soft tissue before you start sawing. The soft tissue will gum-up your saw immediately.
 
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