anyone know?

[FishNasty]

a way to actually keep some squirrel tales without them falling apart, hair's falling out

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Tanning a squirrel tail
Submitted by Adam Keiper on 1/3/00. ( keipera@aol.com ) 152.163.189.132



Hello all. I have a few freshly deboned squirrel tails that I want to make into string silencers for my longbow by slipping the hollowed out tail down over my bowstring then tying both ends off. I know nothing about taxidermy and want to know if there are any home tanning methods I can use to tan the tails so they don't rot, harden and crack, or have the fur fall out. I've heard that Borax can be used for tanning. Is this true, or are there any other household supplies that can be used to tan? Obviously, I'm not shooting for the highest quality of tanning, just something that will get me by. Thanks.




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Tanning a squirrel tail
This response submitted by Larry on 1/4/00. ( hidebeak@cpinternet.com ) 204.220.140.226



I think all you would have to do is soak the deboned tail in denatured alcohol (shellac thinner) for a few days or until the skin turns white all the way through. Try it with one tail and see if it meets your needs. If the skin needs softening, work it between your hands, and perhaps add a little tanning oil or saddle soap. If you don't already have some, you should be able to find the alcohol in a paint or hardware store. Even though you're not a taxidermist, you may still be interested in our catalog. We carry a number of items you may be interested in such as reference books and videos, and a number of products which can be used for crafts, repairs, and other hobbies and pursuits. If you'd like a copy, visit our web site (guest book) at www.hidebeak.com, or call us at 1-800-777-7916, and ask for one. Happy Hunting!



http://www.taxidermy.net/forums/TanningArticles/00a/00536B1227.html


:)

[M.Magis]

Denatured alcohol will not tan anything, despite what people will tell you. Taxidermy.net has loads of great info., but also some bad. This is bad info. That being said, squirrel tails are easy to keep. First, and most important, get the tail out. Splitting the tail all the way will help with this and the next step. Next, get some borax from the grocery store and apply it to the skin side. It doesn't take a lot. Just spread it on, shake off the loose powder, and that'll be plenty. Spread it out and let it dry for a few days and it's done. This will preserve the tail, though it's not tanned. If you think it may get wet, it'll need to be tanned.