Tanning and dying beaver tails?

[Morning Star]

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.

[Pat B]

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.

[Mo_coon-catcher]

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

[Bowjunkie]

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.