Submitted by Chris on 4/12/99. ( clwilson@accucomm.net )
I would like to know if anyone can help with
skinning the Tail of a squirrel. Most of the time
the bone will break just befor I get to the tip.
Some times I will find myself sitting there with
(2) peases of tail in my hand. Deer are not as hard
but I still have problem with bone breaking just befor
I get to the tip. I have read books, talked to others.
(IS THERE A EASY WAY TO DO THIS) My mount's look good
but I have to spend a lot of time working on the tail
I dont charge for the extra time on the tail couse
I feel it is my falt for not doing the tail right the
first time. Thanks for your time and help.
This response submitted by Valentin Potchekansky,Bulgaria on 4/12/99. ( wasbg@mailcity.com )
Hi Chris,
I would like to explain you what I do in this case.
After pulling out the tail,while the skinning process I insert cotton
thread inside the tail.With straight needle and cotton thread insert through
out and pierce the very end of the tail. Leave the thread while tanning.
The cotton thread will soak the tan into the tail.Till now I had never problems
this way.Hope it will help.
Best wishes! Valentin
This response submitted by Rob on 4/12/99. ( )
Squirrel tails can be skinned by inverting the tail an inch or so then stripped out between your thumb and index finger.Are your tails freezer burnt on the end causing the breakage?If so inject a little water in the tail tip before skinning.I have never had any problem removing tails except for an occasional shot gun pellet breaking the tail.If the tails do not turn out to complete satisfaction,you can always switch the tail also.
Foxes and bigger game can be stripped with a tail stripper available through most suppliers or simply use two square edged wood blocks for stripping.
I have found deer tails to have deep rooted hairs.For this reason I like to cut the tail on the underside and remove the bone without stripping.Also remember most tails need to be at least partially split open to allow for proper cleaning and tanning.
This response submitted by Tim Williams on 4/15/99. ( williamt@uic.com )
Chris, through years of hunting and some trapping I've learned that two dowels between 1/4 and 1/2 inch can be used to strip a tail from the bone. Squeeze the tail between the two dowels and pull them twords the end of the tail. This works from small animals through deer. Keep them pinched tight to the tail and you should not break any tips.
This response submitted by Chris on 4/17/99. ( clwilson@accucomm.net )
Thanks for the help I will try some of your sugestions.
Also Thanks to Taxidermy.net
With out it I could not get this information.
This response submitted by Carmen on 4/18/99. ( Cae701@aol.com )
Chris,The easiest way to skin the tail I found is to work the tail from the outside first.Rub both sides of the bone with your index finger and your thumb from the base to the tip.Do this a couple of times, it seems to release to tightness of the inner skin attached to the tail bone.Use some borax at the base to give you some "GRIP". Work down the tail slowly until you release enough of the tail bone so you can grasp it with a pair of pliers in your left hand. Use your index finger and your thumb of your right hand to pinch the remaining skin that has to be removed. Then,with some presure,pull the remaining bone form the skin.Hope this helps