Do any of you have a good process down for tanning and dying them? Or can recommend a tannery you know does a nice job with tails?
I looked through some of the old threads, didn't come up with much.
I've never done it but from folks that have I believe they scrape the flesh side, degrease(pretty greasy) and let it dry, no tanning.
Do that then when ready to use, just soak in water to soften and its ready to work. Just be careful stitching edges, it tears through pretty easy. I like it for arrow passes, not so much for grip wraps, it's a little hard and tough for my taste. though it does look good.
Kyle
I agree. If your grip isn't too, too 'shapely' it will conform. It's very durable in the arrow plate and shelf positions.
I get beaver tails from local trappers for nothing. Split in half, flesh, salt, dry, rehydrate, tan, soften as much as I can without damaging the outer side and that's it. Like Mo-coon-catcher said, don't pull on the thread too hard when stitching... it's tough when it comes to surface wear, but not as much in lateral tear resistance.