You can actually use squirrel tails for all sorts of things—craft accents, fly-tying, costume pieces, and even preserved keepsakes. It depends on how you get them and, of course, if you preserve them right. A well-prepared squirrel tail can turn into jewelry, fishing flies, costume details, or a display piece that lasts, as long as you clean and preserve it properly.
If you enjoy hands-on projects, you might find some inspiration here. I’ll walk you through practical uses, preservation tips, and ideas that balance creativity with a genuine respect for wildlife.
You’ll get clear how-tos for crafting, fly-making, and safe preservation. Hopefully, you’ll feel ready to jump into a project.
Top Uses for Squirrel Tails
People turn squirrel tails into useful things for fishing, crafts, display, or collecting. You just need to prep them—clean, dry, and check your local rules before keeping or selling any part.
Fly Tying and Fishing Lures
Squirrel tail hair works great for streamers and nymphs because those fibers move so naturally in water. You can tie squirrel tail flies for trout and bass that mimic minnows or big aquatic bugs.
Use the short, stiff guard hairs for tails, and the longer, softer hairs for streamer patterns. Mepps and other lure makers actually buy squirrel tails for spinner skirts and custom lures.
If you tie flies, strip off a small patch of fur, stack the fibers, and tie them to a hook with thread. Add a little floatant or clear lacquer if you want to make them last longer.
Clean the tail first. Soak it in mild disinfectant and let it air dry so it won’t smell or rot.
If you sell or trade tails, label them with species and condition. It helps other anglers use them right.
Crafting and Artistic Projects
You can use squirrel tails in jewelry, keychains, and costume accents. Short, trimmed sections make fun earrings or pendants if you cap them with metal or wrap them in wire.
Longer tails look great as hat trims, puppet parts, or natural-feel tassels. Just make sure the fur’s fully preserved.
For wearable pieces, secure the base with a metal cap, glue, or stitched leather so the fibers don’t shed. You can even dye them with fabric-safe dye for more color options.
If you sell crafts, mention how you sourced and preserved the material. Buyers appreciate honesty, and it’s safer for everyone—especially if pets might get ahold of your creations.
Preservation for Display
Preserving a tail for display keeps its shape and color for years. Use borax, salt curing, or professional tanning, depending on how firm or soft you want the fur.
Insert a thin wire or dowel to support the tail while it dries. Mount preserved tails on plaques, in shadow boxes, or frames for educational displays.
Attach the base securely to a backing board. Use archival glue or stitching so it doesn’t move.
If you’re doing this for a classroom, add a small label with the species and care instructions. Always wear gloves when preserving, and work in a ventilated area.
Follow your local regulations about wildlife parts, and avoid chemical exposure.
Unique Collecting and Trading Opportunities
Some anglers and crafters buy and trade squirrel tails for specialty uses like fly tying and lure making. Mepps and a few niche shops even pay cash for good tail lots, especially from common tree squirrels with long guard hairs.
When you trade, sort tails by size, color, and condition. Bundle similar ones and snap a clear photo.
Say whether the tails are cleaned, dried, or treated. Descriptions help buyers and cut down on returns.
Check your local laws before selling. Some regions restrict wildlife parts, so you’ll want to be sure.
If it’s legal, list tails on forums, niche marketplaces, or local fishing groups. That way, people who need them for tying or crafts can find you.
How to Preserve Squirrel Tails
You can preserve a squirrel tail so it stays clean, flexible, and ready for crafts, display, or fly tying. You’ll need to clean, cure or tan, and dry and store it properly to stop decay and keep the fur fluffy.
Step-by-Step Preservation Methods
Start by skinning the tail if you want to remove the bones. If you like the full look, leave the tail intact.
Trim away extra tissue and rinse it with cold water to get rid of blood. Pat dry with paper towels.
Pick a curing method. Heavy salt cure works well for small tails. Pack the tail in non-iodized salt for 24–72 hours, turning it once, until the flesh firms up.
For a softer tail, use an alum or commercial tanning solution. Just follow the product directions.
If you want a smoked finish, hang the tanned tail in a smokehouse for several hours with hardwood chips.
After curing or tanning, rinse the tail lightly and hang it to air dry in a cool, ventilated place. Keep it out of direct sunlight.
Use a fan if the air feels humid. For quick jobs, soak the tail in denatured alcohol for a few days to disinfect and speed up drying, then hang it up. Don’t use high heat—it’ll make the hide brittle.
Preparation Tips for Crafts and Fly Tying
For fly tying, remove any extra fat and flesh. Salt the tail lightly and let it dry until the fur feels fluffy, not greasy.
Trim the base square so it fits cleanly on a jig or vice. Secure it with a small wire or thread wrap.
For crafts, decide if you want the tail bleached, dyed, or left natural. If you bleach, go easy and test a scrap first.
Dye with fabric dye in a shallow bath, rinse, and hang while shaping the fur with your fingers.
If you want a stiff tail, leave the bone in and dry it, or brush a thin coat of clear sealant on the base.
Label your tails with the date and method you used. Keep a small repair kit—needle, strong thread, and glue—in case you need to reattach or reinforce the base.
Care and Storage Recommendations
Keep finished tails in a cool, dry spot with low humidity. That helps prevent mold and keeps insects away.
Grab a cardboard box or a cotton bag—something that lets air through. I wouldn’t use plastic bags for storage since they just trap moisture and cause problems later.
Every few months, take a look at your tails. Toss in a handful of dried cedar chips or add a pouch of mothballs nearby to keep pests from moving in.
If the fur starts to mat, use a soft brush or comb. Always go with the direction of the hair—it’ll fluff up nicely with a gentle touch.
When you want to display tails for a while, keep them out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade colors faster than you’d think.
If you’re handling them a lot, dust them lightly with fine talc every so often. It cuts down on oils and stops the fur from clumping.
For tails that still have bone in them, always support the base when you move them. That way, you won’t stress the join and risk damage.
