what is a good date to start hunting squirrels where the tails will be worth it? does the pelt have any value without the tail? with it? how should i preserve the tails and or pelts?thank you in advance.

If you are going to try and get quite a few, contact Mepps or anybody that buys them. A lot of buyers are looking for quantity and quality. Time wise I would say Nov. - Jan. here in MN. I don't know of to many that buy the pelts though. There might be though. Unless they are Red squirrels.

Also interested in the preservation of the tails.

-Salt or Borax end of tails.
-No need to split tail or remove tail bone if selling.

There is a limited market for squirrel pelts with the tail attached. Without the tail, the pelt has basically no value.

Buyers for squirrel pelts often advertise in FFG, TPC and other outdoor magazines. Check the classified ad section.

One buyer of squirrel pelts and skulls is Moscow Hide & Fur. Check out their web site for details. www.furbuyer.com

I put the tails in the freezer.

The Mepp's website has a lot of information on preparation and shipping- we used to trade them for baits back in the day.

For all good quality tails we pay the following: ◾Gray, Fox & Black Squirrel Tails ◦16 ¢ each — under 100
◦19 ¢ each — over 100
◦21 ¢ each — over 500
◦22 ¢ each — over 1000

◾Premium Tails ◦20 ¢ each — under 100
◦23 ¢ each — over 100
◦25 ¢ each — over 500
◦26 ¢ each — over 1000

◾Red Squirrel Tails (Hair at the base of the tail must be at least 1" long) ◦8 ¢ each — under 100
◦9 ¢ each — over 100
◦10 ¢ each — over 500
◦11 ¢ each — over 1000

With a daily bag limit of 5 and a possession limit of 10 - I'd have to eat a LOT of squirrels to make this a go...

Not that what they're paying isn't fair, but it seems as though you'd actually pay more in shipping them to the company than you would get back in return.

I pay 50 cents each for premium tails that are salted and dried straight for grey and red fox tails.
Black squirrel tails I pay 80 cents each for.
I use the chart posted above to grade tails.
The one on the left is docked down to 20ish cents each.

If interested in selling, PM me.

I take a comb and comb the tails before freezing. It doesn't take long.