This is going to sound stupid so bear with me but when I do tails I skin all the way down instead of using tail strippers.Always worried about getting salt down inside by not skinning to the tip. Does it cause problems if you use strippers and not skin out? Would save me alot of sewing time.
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Scott, I use a tail splitter when possible on critters like squirrels and such.
But I will always split the tailafterwards so that the tail is thoroughly salted. It just makes it easier to split when the bone is out.
Good luck to you,
Dave
I dont split the tails on yotes or smaller I pack with salt, using a wire. Then when I pickle I run a long cotton twine through with a 12" needle. The twine wicks the pickle through the tail. When I tan I pick a fresh cotton twine wick in.
when I was just starting out , I was told you had to split tails so there I was sewing up the full length of an albino squirrel tail that was underfurred to begin with and using dental floss I made it look okay buuttttttt...........no more of dat ! I strip the tail like John C says , make a very small incision at the tip for draining and then run salt down the tail with a pipe cleaner or stiff wire. If the tail is fatty a ways down , I will make another incision about 1 1/2 " down from the base of the tail so I can get the fat out. Also , when doing squirrels these days I never freeze or submerge the tails , strip them make an insert for them ,remove them from the hide, preserve them and pose and dry . A better tail will be hard to find . B.Bishop
I know on coyotes and foxes,it sure takes a little time to sew up,especially since the tails are so bushy.I will try the strippers and pull the salt through with a small cut at the tip.
On coons, fox, coyotes, otter...well, everything but squirrels I cut those tails, because they need to be degreased/shaved. Taping the hair before sewing helps, as does freezing tail material before inserting it into the sewed up tail. Oh, there are tricks to everything!