what to do with a coyote tail?

[sachel.45]

i just shot my first coyote the other day and i saved the tail but what do i do now? i sprayed it with flea and tick killer and then brushed it out i'd like to keep it just as a memento. I'm assuming i need to take the tail bone out but is there a special way to do this? and do i need some sort of foam support? please help i want to do this right

[steve66]

try asking in the trapping forum, im sure the trappers would know what to do.  probably lots here do as well, but if u get no response give it a try.

[Buckskin]

I've never done just a tail, but the easiest way to get the bone out ot the hide is to take your knife and roll the tail down an inch or so the put the bone in a vise. take 2 screwdrivers and pinch the exposed bone and pull the tail off w/ the screwdrivers.  Be very careful when you get down to the last inch or so because you don't want to tear the end of the tail.  It will take some effort to get started but then it will zip right off.  Like I said I've never done just the tail but when its on the carcass its pretty easy.

Then just rub some borax into the tail, and let it dry out it will get stiff so you don't need to fill it w/ anything.  Cured enough for what you have planned. No need to have it tanned.

[sachel.45]

i would of liked to of done the whole hide but a 180 grain bullet out of a 30-06 at 80 yards doesn't leave a lot of hide to work with. thanks for the info but one more question i'm assuming that the tail is inside out when i put the borax on but do i leave it to dry inside out and then once it dries then flip it back? sorry if this is s dumb question

[Buckskin]

You can usually only get it to go about 1/2 inside out.  Just pour in the borax and rub it in good.  Then try and keep it open as best you can while it dries.

[Walk]

Buckskin has the right idea.  But what you want to do is take the tail in your hands and crank it around and let it spin kind of tight in your hands.  Don’t grab it so hard and you are twisting it that you pull the hair out.  Do this up and down the tail alot and make sure you get the tip done.  It will take a little to pull out.  We used channel lock pliers at the bass of the hide and bone (put the end or tips of the pliers under an edge of something solid) and grab the bone with another set and pull the bone up and out.  Now salt the skin side good.  You can cut it open or push the salt into it with a small wire making sure the salt is at the tip.