deer hair vs. elk hair

[Jason Rolfe]

I don't really understand what the difference is between these two, as they apply to certain flies. For example, what would be the main difference between a deer hair caddis and an EHC. Color? Floatation? Are there advantages with one over the other? In certain situations? None of the books or magazines I've read really go into it very much. Thanks for any info.
Jason:confused:

[FT]

Jason,

Elk hair works better as a wing on the elk hair caddis because its tips are less prone to excessive flairing than deer hair. Likewise, moose hair is not a good choice for an elk hair caddis because it is too stiff. Antelope is too short and big in diameter flairing even more readily than deer hair, which is why it is not a good choice for a caddis wing. Although I'd be remiss if I did not mention deer mask (face hair) and deer hock (lower leg) hair is excellent for small caddis wings.

For spun hair collars, deer hair, rocky mountain sheep, or elk rump hair are very good because they are larger diameter, flair easily, and have sufficent length to extend back to the hook barb for a good collar.

For spun hair bodies, deer, elk rump, antelope, or caribou are all very good because they are larger diameter and flair readily.

Hope this helps answer your questions.

[Jason Rolfe]

Thanks FT. That does help a bit. It seems like it really comes down to getting that precise look that you want to have.