The Third Addition to the Alaska 7 Pipe Set (Blacktail Deer)

[bullet08]

All,

For those that missed pipes 1 and 2, you can find them here , and here .

I was born, raised, and still live in Alaska and throughout that time hunting wild game has been a core part of my life, culture, and subsistence. One of the most interesting animals to hunt in Alaska is the Sitka Blacktail deer. While being one of the most dainty and miniscule deer species in North America (a huge specimen weighing 200lbs), they also inhabit some of the world's harshest terrain. From SE Alaska, where steep slopes, high winds, and 13 feet of yearly rain make it a challenge for any animal, to Kodiak island where windswept 6 foot tall grasses may be all that keeps you hidden from one of the highest concentrations of the some of the world's largest bears, constantly hunting you. Harsh winters in both areas can have devastating effects on populations as well, but the Blacktail deer not only survives, but often thrives in these conditions. They are also some of the most delicious game meat you can find.

For the third pipe in the set I have chosen to honor the Blacktail's lithe and graceful, yet rugged nature with a shape that I feel encompasses both, that of a slightly bent Cutty with a plateau rim. This Cutty features an antler shank mount, using antler bases from a blacktail deer I harvested myself on Kodiak island. I wanted to keep the shape svelte and fluid like a fleeing blacktail, but also add a sense of ruggedness so I chose to leave the rim as a plateau, and utilize a contrast sandblast to make the pipe a little more organic in nature. Blacktail deer have much more diminutive antler structure than most deer species, including their brow tines which are often a simple small nub. I chose to replicate that in the foot of the Cutty, by making it a mostly aesthetic nub similar to what is found as a brow tine on many blacktail racks.

Then we come to the stem. You will see two faux ivory white bands, one slightly larger than the other. This is to honor the most heart pounding moment in blacktail hunting. When a blacktail buck is staring straight at you, you see the contrast of their black head and nose, along with their signature two white patches on the neck and breast, one usually slightly larger than the other. At that point you have moments to pull the trigger, or your prey will be gone in a flash. Now given that we had to chop the base of an antler off to make this possible, I also requested the carver use the rest of that antler to create a matching tamper with a shell casing base to go along with this pipe. He surprised me by also carving "Alaska" into the tamper. As with all pipes in this set, a 49 is lasered on to the base to honor my home, the 49th State in the Union.

Again, my choice for a carver was obvious for this pipe. Josh Ronish with Dragon Briars has extensive experience with antler, and an amazing talent for taking complex pipe design and making them a reality with unrivaled accuracy and efficiency.

Ladies and Gents, the Josh Ronish Blacktail Cutty:

View attachment 68588
View attachment 68589
View attachment 68590
View attachment 68591
View attachment 68592
View attachment 68593
View attachment 68594

Damn. That's a real looker!

 

[alaskanpiper]

What a great concept and mighty fine pipe. There will have to be a 49 themed rack for these 7 no doubt? Looking forward to the future additions as well.

Hadn't thought of that! They'll probably end up in a felt lined drawer though.

 

[alaskanpiper]

Just to bring the thread back on track, that pipe just evokes "deer".

I'm really liking each pipe individually but together as a concept they seem to surpass their sum total.

That's the idea!

 

[autumnfog]

Great looking pipe!
I bet this set will be absolutely fantastic, both rugged and elegant.

 

[gamzultovah]

You are creating some heirloom pipes, my friend. So, when are you and the misses getting to work on that “boy” you’ll need in order to pass these along? ??

 

[saltedplug]

Bite your tongue! I'm trying to convince him to give them to me in his will! Little does he know, I've got a plan to expose the cost of this set to his wife shortly after having the clause added to the will, thereby transferring ownership to me nearly instantly!

Effective pipe extortion. I like it!

I wonder what you might think of having a continuous 7-Day set in motion? Finish the 7th and go right back to the 1st. All seven numbers are available to you. Who says you have to declare yourself finished when you are so utterly capable of designing pipes, this pipe in particular that in no aspect fails to declare its excellence. In short, a wowsa!

 

[ssjones]

That's done quite well, congrats and good choice on the carver, he nailed it!

 

[wolflarsen]

I remember my first blacktail like it was yesterday.
Anchored the seiner in Macleod Bay and hiked clear up to the top ridge of Montague Island. Hiked along the ridge to the summit and found 3 bucks nestled in a little grassy bowl just behind the peak. Absolutely beautiful clear sunny day without a breath of wind and phenomenal views of the Gulf of Alaska on one side and Prince William Sound on the other. Got my pick of the deer, dressed it out with the help of a friend, and made the brutal 5 hour hike back to the boat with a pack full of meat. Ate backstrap and eggs for breakfast the next morning feeling like a champion before getting back out on the salmon grounds. Good times and great memories. Life is good.

 

[alaskanpiper]

You are creating some heirloom pipes, my friend. So, when are you and the misses getting to work on that “boy” you’ll need in order to pass these along? ??

Hahaha, The one daughter has kept us busy. We are also in the middle of building a house. But after the house is done, there may be plans in the works

 

[alaskanpiper]

Effective pipe extortion. I like it!

I wonder what you might think of having a continuous 7-Day set in motion? Finish the 7th and go right back to the 1st. All seven numbers are available to you. Who says you have to declare yourself finished when you are so utterly capable of designing pipes, this pipe in particular that in no aspect fails to declare its excellence. In short, a wowsa!

Hahaha, I would love to do so. My wallet on the other hand is already mad.

 

[lukasstrifeson]

Gorgeous set you're starting to build there.

I myself am trying to thin down my collection to a few thematic 7-day sets. Your posts thus far are definitely a great source of inspiration!

 

[karam]

Amazing, so natural-looking, almost can't see the seam, another great success!