Dying Buck Tail With Kool-Aide

Dying Buck Tail With Kool-Aide
by Kevin McKay
Master Maine Guide
February 2005
Preparing The Tail:
Items Needed
1. Deer Tail
2. Fillet Knife
3. Borax
4. Nails
5. Board



Take the tail fresh off the deer and strip the bone out of it. Do this by grabbing the base in one hand and slowly peeling the skin off the bone. Then take the tail and cut it down the middle with a filleting knife on the white hair side.
Place it on a board with the open side up. Spread it out and nail a corner, then stretch as far as possible and put another nail. Nail down all four corners.
Next, take Borax soap detergent and cover it completely and then leave it for several days until it is as hard as a board.
Brush off all the borax and you are ready to dye it.
Dying with Kool-Aid:
Items Needed
1. Unsweetened Kool-Aid
2. White Vinegar
3. 2 Pots
4. Measuring Cup
5. Water
6. Hanger
7. Clothes Pins



1. Take the tail and place it in a pot with hot water right out of the tap for 30 minutes until the tail is soft.



2. Place two packages of Kool-Aid in a second pot with 12 ounces of water and 4 ounces of vinegar. Bring it to just below boiling.



3. Remove the tail from the hot water and get rid of the excess water and pieces of tail that have come off, over a sink.
4. Place tail in the Kool-Aid.
5. Make sure the whole tail is covered.



6. Let the tail simmer for 30 to 40 minutes or until the tail has reached the desired color.





7. Let the solution temperature cool down.
8. Rinse and wash in warm water with dish soap.
9. Now take a coat hanger and clothes line pins and hang the tail to dry.