Hunting Pouch by Greg Hudson

 

Photography by Jan Riser.

Hunting Pouch by Jack Duprey

 

Photography by Jan Riser.

Hunting Pouch by Joe Mills

 

Photography by Jan Riser.

2017 CLF Auction Item: Hunting Pouch, Horn, and Knife Set by Jeff Luke, Joe-D Baxter, and Jonah Cain

 

In the modern world, making and using tools from natural materials is a refreshing way to connect to reality. For this year’s CLF Live Fundraising Auction, a trio of artists has teamed up to create a hunting rig that evokes straightforward craftsmanship and rugged performance.

The set is built around a hunting bag by Jeff Luke, a longtime auction supporter. Luke explains that the set is intended to “represent a typical backwoods hunting rig from the mountains of Tennessee in the early years of the 1800's.” The pouch is made from vegetable tanned calf hide, hand stitched with linen thread, distressed, and then dyed to a deep brown hue. The front flap of the pouch was made from the raw edge of a leg portion of the hide. The front panel binding and welt were hand fringed to give a rustic "backwoods" look. The leather strap is adjustable by means of a forged iron buckle by John Rader. 

The set includes a razor-sharp patch knife by Jonah Cain. Forged from an antique hay rake tine, the blade is affixed to a whitetail antler handle; the silver pommel is peened to secure it in place. The knife rests in a primitive bark-tanned deer hide sheath which is sewn to the pouch’s strap. 

This set includes a simple yet elegant horn by Joe-D Baxter. This horn features an elegantly tuned spout, a turned cherry base plug, and a cherry stopper. The horn is always ready for use, and hangs from leather wings attached to the pouch strap.   

For more information on the work of the artists, contact:

Jeff Luke: poboygear@gmail.com

Jonah Cain: jonahcain501@gmail.com

Joe-D Baxter: jdbaxter87@gmail.com

Text by Joshua Shepherd

Photography by David Wright

To see all the artists’ postings for the 2022 CLF Fundraising Auction go to:

http://www.contemporarylongriflefoundation.org/2022-fundraising-auction/

CLF 2022 Auction: Fringed Hunting Bag by Shelly Gier and Hand-Woven Strap by Kerry Masarik

 

For your next trip to the range or the woods, artists Shelly Gier and Kerry Masarik have teamed up to create a well-made and historically appropriate hunting bag that’s been donated to this year’s CLF Live Fundraising Auction. 

Gier describes her hunting bag as inspired by early 19th century styling “with a bit of working-class western influence.” The body of the bag is made from vegetable tanned cowhide which is lined with goat leather. The bag features an exterior gusseted pocket as well as an additional pocket on the interior. For water resistance, the bag has been treated with black bear oil. It’s consequently a utilitarian bag, but features tasteful and complementary design elements contributed by both artists. 

Gier explains that the bag’s color scheme was intended to coordinate with Masarik’s strap.  “The pouch is deliberately related to the strap,” explains Gier, “I used the ‘goose eye’ diamond design of the strap in the shape of the pouch and flap.” Much of the design of this piece, says the artist, was designed to showcase Masarik’s work. “I wanted the design of the strap to stand out,” explains Gier. 

Masarik’s hand-woven strap is, indeed, immediately noticeable and integral to the success of this piece. The strap was made from a contrasting blend of hemp and wool; the wool, in fact, was sourced from a Romney sheep fleece and hand processed and hand spun by Masarik. In weaving the strap, Masarik utilized an intricate and historically accurate “goose eye” diamond motif. The artist puts a good bit of effort into the historic study of her craft, examining original examples, weave structure, and yarns. The “goose eye” pattern, she explains, “was a pretty popular weave amongst tweed weavers.” 

This stellar hunting bag is accompanied with a curious bonus: a single buckeye. Gier, appropriately enough a native Ohioan, explains the history behind the tradition. “Many original pouches,” she says, “are shown with their original contents, and buckeyes frequently show up. Whether it is for luck or a home remedy for arthritis, buckeyes and bags go together.”

For more information on the work of the artists, contact:

Shelly Gier: shellycamps1790@gmail.com

Kerry Masarik: hornandfiber@gmail.com

Text by Joshua Shepherd

Photography by David Wright

To see all the artists’ postings for the 2022 CLF Fundraising Auction go to:

Bruce Horne Collection: Hunting Pouch by Bruce Horne

One of the last bags done by Bruce Horne. Lined with interior pocket. Hand made buckle. 10.5 inches wide by 8 inches deep. New.

$150. plus shipping in the continental USA.

Contact artriser@mindspring.com for more information

Photography by Jan Riser.

Bruce Horne Collection: Hunting Pouch by Bruce

Nice little bag by Bruce Horne. Never used. It's brand new, It measures 7.25 inches tall by 7.5 inches at its widest. Lined. Interior pocket. Iron buckle. It has a gusset.

$150. plus shipping in the USA.

Contact artriser@mindspring.com for more information.

Photography by Jan Riser.

Hunting Pouch by Eric Ewing

 

No. 200

Alum tanned raccoon, bark tanned deerhide, vegetable tanned goathide, vegetable tanned calfhide, antique saddle remnants; linen; leather cord; antique bone buttons; antique table knife with repair; antique powder horn; brass powder measure by Brian Barker; touchhole pick by Clifton Hicks.

Copy and photography supplied by Eric Ewing from here.