SOUR MOOSE HIDE BAIT FOR TRAPPING

 We found this in an old Alaska Trapping Book and it WORKS!!!
Cut the Moose hide into 2' squares.  Fold flesh to flesh and roll up tight.
Put in Plastic bags and then into chicken feed bag or stronger gunnie sack.  Roll it tight to get all the air out.  Store real high in a tree.  Has to be at least 12' off the ground to keep out of reach of Bears and we have hear of Bears chewing the tree to fall it.
IT DOESN'T ROT.  IT SOURS.  IT'S THE THICK INSULATION OF THE MOOSE HAIR THAT KEEPS IT FROM ROTTING.  WHEN YOU'RE READY TO USE IT IN TRAPPING SEASON IT SMELLS LIKE SARDINES AND MOOSE.   NOT A FOUL SMELL BUT IT IS STRONG.
Last year I cut it into quarters and later regretted it when I was trying to cut it up with an axe.  It was like axing a rolled up carpet.  This year it is cut into 15 pieces.

HOW TO HANDLE MOOSE MEAT.... SKINNING

First you have to cut the head off.  You can not move the carcass around otherwise.  I used a knife to cut around and then the axe to cut the spine.

Then you cut with the zipper (cardboard box opening knife) under his chin down to his anus,
then up the inside of each leg to 6" below the knee then around the leg.

Cardboard box opening knife

Rutting Moose scrap holes in the ground and then urinate in that hole.  Then they roll in it.  They also urinate all over their stomach and hind legs.  The Cow Moose is attracted to this. 

Then we both start skinning. 
This little scalpel knife was given to me by my daughter Theresa and it is the best thing for skinning.    It is made by Havalon Knives.
Try to avoid getting Moose Hair on the meat.  Take your time ... skin carefully.  The hair gives a moose a game taste.  Keep your hands off the meat .  No patting, no feeling the meat.  Shoot your moose in the morning.

Do not puncture the bladder with your knife.  If you've gotten gamie tasting meat it is because of a amature game dresser.... including myself one time a long time ago... probably 40 years ago.
Try to keep your left hand as the one that holds the inside of the hide and your right as the knife holder.
After the quarters are ready to hang up in game bags go over again with clean hands to remove any hair.
Make sure game bags cover the whole meat.  

Blow flies will creep down the bag and lay eggs in the moist meat causing maggots.