Preserving Deer Tails 101

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The "How-To" on deer tail preservation

I will show you step by step how to clean and preserve a deer tail. From the carcass
to the slab.

* Note - Not to tan, merely preserve. More of a pre-tanning process until you are ready for the next step.

Preservation is the first step in getting the furs set, so they do not rot or develop bugs, or even tears.

Preserve to avoid the "Hide Beetles": They are scavengers, they are the last to visit and feed on the dried-out remains of dead animals; both adults and larvae will eat feathers, fur, and skin. You do NOT want to leave any type of "skin" un-preserved unless frozen.

Preserving will avoid these problems and eliminate that "death stink".

This process will leave them stiff, yet still a bit pliable.

If you're looking for that leathery feel and movement, you need to tan the hides.

There are many, many informative tanning sites out there that can get you going.

Step 1

Removing the tail

*The first step would be, of course, to get the tail off. Cut the tail at the base of the bum on the hide. (Or however long you want the tail)

*Lay the cut tail out on your cleaning surface on a piece of wax/freezer paper. (dulls down on the mess)

*Find yourself a razor/utility knife and pliers.

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open tail

Step 2

Making the cut

Now you need to cut.

*Lay your tail flat, bottom side up, separate the hair, and cut along the length of the tail (on top of the bone).

*Keep the hair separated as you cut all the way to the top to minimize loss of the fur or damage the appearance of the tail.

*When your tail is opened, grasp the "bone" with the pliers (you may have to carefully cut the fat from the base of the bone to free it)

*Slowly start to pull the tail, while holding the hide down.

*If needed, carefully slice the fat that may cling to the bone.

*Keep going 'til the bone's out.

tail in the sink

Step 3

Washing the hide

*Fill your sink enough to cover the tail in warm water. (a few inches)

*Dilute a mild detergent in the water.

*Carefully submerge the tail and softly rinse off any dirt or blood.

*When finished washing, rinse the tail in lukewarm water.

Step 4

Dry your tail

*After washing, lay the tail back on the wax paper.

*Dry the HAIR with a hairdryer.

*Make SURE the hair is dry.

Step 5

Spread out the tail

*Turn over the tail, fat side up, and lay it flat the best you can.

* Use a paper towel or any dry cloth to sop up any leftover moisture remaining on the skin.

*If a noticeable amount of fat still remains, scrape it off. You can do this with a hide scraper OR carefully with a serrated knife. Do NOT cut, DO gently scrape.

Step 6

Borax the tail

*Now that your tail is open and lying flat, coat the inside (skin and fat) with a layer of Borax.

*Use as much as needed to fully coat the exposed flesh.

*Borax acts as an antibacterial and will protect the skin.

Now, if you are prepping these to move on to a tanning phase, I'd suggest using NON-iodized salt in place of the Borax. Coat the flesh with a thick layer of salt and work it in hard. While the flesh is drying, you can add more salt. This is called "salt curing".

Also, if prepping for tanning, make sure you remove ALL fat and membrane that still may be attached. Little bits that remain on the skin, will tan a different color and lessen pliability.

  

Let it sit

Let your tail rest, with the borax on, for several days in a cool dry place.

When skin is fully dried, do with it what you please.

An ALTERNATE method of permanent preservation

The Food Dehydrator Method

Ok, if you decide you don't care whether or not your tail has that leathery flexibility to it you can always try the dehydrating method. I've used this method on many different fleshy pieces, specifically chicken and pheasant feet. BUT, flesh is flesh and they all dry out.

A few days in a food dehydrator will dry your piece and hold in that fur. The only drawback is you better get it into the position you want it in for the duration of its time on this planet. Once it's dried, it can't be reformed without breaking the hide.

I have done this most successfully with rabbit ears as well. I know, I know...what kind of monster would chop off cute little rabbit ears and dry them for artistic purposes...well, if it eases your mind, we ate the rabbit as well. Nothing went to waste.

Uses

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What do you do with your tails?

One of the main and most popular uses is to use deer hair on jigs and such. It's a great durable fiber for fishing and makes some darn nice-looking jigs.

Another great use, and the reason I use them, is for paintbrushes. Using deer hair for paintbrushes gives you a durable steady brush. A lot of people use this type of brush for ceramic glaze. They are strong, thick, and pliable.

One more great use, and it takes many tails, are dice bags. If you want to go as far as tanning the hide of the tail, you can use these beautiful pieces to make dice bags or small purses. Put them together, sew in a nice smooth lining or leave them leather, and there you be. It may take up to 8 tails or more, but it would be a unique and interesting accessory.

I'm sure there are many other things you can use them for. If you have any ideas, let me know. I'd love to hear them!