Hunters out to save their hides

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A 20-year-old provincial program salvaging deer and moose hides for artisans has gained new momentum in Ontario.

Hats for Hides collects hides for use by artisans through an exchange program with Native and non-Native hunters. Formerly run by the Ministry of National Resources, the program had experienced a slump in interest, dropping from 40,000 hides being taken in to provincial depots during the mid-1980s, to approximately 20,000 in 1993.

But interest is picking up since the Union of Ontario Indians took over co-ordinating the program.

"What we've done is develop a media package and promoted the program at hunting and trapping shows," said Perry McLeod-Shabogesic.

Aboriginal depots have almost doubled since the Union launched its media kick, numbering approximately 20 out of 50 such collecting centres across Ontario.

Non-Native depots operate under BRT Hides Company guidelines, with set prices for green and tanned hides. This way Aboriginal artisans can buy hides at reasonable prices through the BRT, McLeod-Shabogesic said. Native depots vendors

are independent and set their own prices, he said.

Hats for Hides was initiated by a group of non-Native hunters during the early 1970s who were concerned with wasted hides. Opening depots where hunters could exchange hides for orange hunters' hats with stylized logos on them helped eliminate waste.

"This is not a money-making endeavour for us, but it does save money. We're gearing up to have the program pay for itself soon."

One move to cut corners was to come up with a less costly hat - this year, instead of an embroidered logo, it is printed on the hat. McLeod-Shabogesic hopes the move won't create the furor substituting whistles for the hats did three years ago.

"Oh, the hunters were so ticked off, almost collapsed the program," said McLeod-Shabogesic laughing. "They wanted their hats."

The brightest caps had become collector's items among hunters.

For more information on the Hats for Hides program, contact Perry McLeod-Shabogesic at (705) 497-9127.