Materials and Tools:
1. Deer tail
2. Salt
3. Borax
4. Alum (optional)
5. Newspaper or paper towels
6. Butcher's twine or fishing line
7. Wire coat hanger or stick
Instructions:
1. Initial Preparation:
- Collect the deer tail as soon as possible after hunting to prevent spoilage.
- Cut the tail at the base where it meets the deer's body.
2. Skinning the Tail:
- Carefully skin the tail by making a small incision along the bottom and pulling the skin off.
- Remove any excess fat or meat.
3. Fleshing:
- Remove any remaining bits of flesh and cartilage from the tail bone using a sharp knife.
4. Salt and Borax Mixture:
- Mix equal parts of salt and borax in a large container.
- Rub the mixture thoroughly into the tail, paying close attention to the exposed bone.
5. Drying (1st Stage):
- Hang the salted tail by its base in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
- Let it hang for several days to allow the salt and borax to dry the tail and draw out moisture.
6. Alum Treatment (Optional):
- This step helps toughen the skin further.
- Mix equal parts of alum and water to create a solution.
- Dip the dried tail into the alum mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Hang the tail again to let it dry completely.
7. Final Drying (2nd Stage):
- After the alum treatment (if applied), hang the tail in the same location as before for several more weeks to ensure it is fully dry.
8. Straightening the Tail:
- To prevent the tail from curling, straighten it out by gently stretching it.
- Wrap it around a wire coat hanger or a straight stick.
- Secure it using butcher's twine or fishing line at both ends.
9. Shaping the Tail:
- Give the tail the desired shape by molding it while it's still flexible.
- You can create a curve or a slight bend by carefully bending the tail.
10. Final Touches:
- Once the tail is completely dry and stiff, remove any remaining salt and borax mixture by brushing or shaking it off.
- You can use a fine comb or brush to arrange the hair.
11. Storage:
- Store the preserved deer tail in a cool, dry place to maintain its condition.
- Avoid exposing it to moisture or extreme temperatures.
Remember that the best time to preserve a deer tail is shortly after hunting to prevent damage or decomposition. Preserved deer tails can last for several years if stored properly.