Raccoon tail

andersk

I'm a Black Powder shooter on a bit of a limited budget. I like the idea of looking kinda era appropriate ... sort of a mountain man. So I found a road-kill raccoon and swiped his tail.

My question: What is the best way to clean/preserve this tail so I can put it on my hat?

andersk

My wife just said why not google "drying raccoon tail" (she's the smart one! and the pretty one, too!). I worked: looks like I need to split it open, pull out tail bone, put on some salt or Borax to dry it down. Some one mentioned a tanning fluid as well. Guess I know where to start ... not to do it!

USN_Airdale

did you know that most commercially made Coonskin hats did NOT have a Raccoon tail ? most had a dyed Fox tail !! TRUE !!

andrewsw16

If I am going to pay for tail, I want the genuine thing. [;)][:D]
Nevada is a unique state. [:D]

Chief Shaway

I will say that when I first started out all I did was put the tip of the tail in salt. That dried out the end well. The semi rotting tail lasted bout 3 years. [:D]
If you split the tail I'd suggest borax over salt.
I'd stake it out so it doesn't shrink with the drying process.

bambambam

Split the tail, salt, scrape, then wash it in Lysol(will kill bactieria that will make hair slip), rinse in clean water, then rub tan oil on the hide side.

bambambam

Split the tail, salt, scrape, then wash it in Lysol(will kill bactieria that will make hair slip), rinse in clean water, then rub tan oil on the hide side.