Hey guys, I’m new to fur handling and was planning on selling to Groenewold when he makes his way near me at the end of January. Anyway was skinning a coyote the other night and tore its tail off. I went ahead and put it on my wire stretcher but was curious if I just completely ruined it or if it could still hold a little value. I know the market is weak anyways and it’s going to depend on how good of a coyote he was to begin with but I’m trying to learn all I can.

from what i have heard from groenewolds livestreams they dont use the tail at all really, they use the main body for trim and thats how it is graded, no tail shouldn't affect price alot

Missing tail on one pelt shouldn’t be a deduction at all. As said, the tail isn’t the main reason a furrier buys a coyote but IF the tail is there, he will most likely make use of it.

Yanking a tail off is very common with new fur handlers. Happens to even the pros. Don’t worry about it.

Thank you guys for the replies! Been tinkering in trapping for a long time but finally to a point in life where I’m trying to get more serious and everything I’ve read is accurate, addicting!!! Started really trying for coyotes a couple years ago and only got one, last season I managed two but still wasn’t going as hard as I wanted. Have managed to get a few more traps in the ground this season and nabbed 6 so far! Thank you guys for all the info!

Good job on the 6 so far. Congratulations

I did the same thing last night, tore about 4" right off was quite mad about it, then I got to the head...well let's just say, the tail was the least of my faults. Gotta learn somehow, I guess!

Thanks Hern! And Yukon John I felt the same way! But your right, the only way to get better is to put in the work, so that’s what I’m doing. Taking a little break this week then going to get back after it after Christmas. Good time to clean up my shed and make some more wax dirt.

I actually caught one (female) last year that didn't have a tail. No stub or any indication that it had one at one time. Guess it was born that way.

An oldtimer told me when I first started putting up my fur, if the buyer tries to dock you for missing tails, find a different buyer. I catch several coons and at least 1 coyote every year without a tail. Never have figured out what's going on with the coons.

I see all those tails , tanned, on vender tables at reenactments and such selling for $10 to $25. Also have seen tanned faces on the tables, so it all gets sold and used I guess.