Frustrated with the inconsistent quality of deer tails coming from the big distributors, we went straight to the source and got knee-deep in the bucktail world. We now source tails from a range of vendors across New England and beyond, and every single tail that carries the 365 LureCraft name is personally processed, inspected, graded, and dyed in-house.
The reality is, the best way to pick bucktails is in person—but since that’s not always possible, we’ve built a grading system you can trust. Every tail is evaluated based on overall size, hair length, fullness, shape, and general appearance. Our goal is simple: when you open the bag, you feel like you got your money’s worth—or better.
That said, this is a natural product, and there will always be variation. Even experienced tyers can have different opinions on what makes the “perfect” tail. Here’s how we break things down:
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NEW AND LIMITED – “First Pick Large” - These technically fall into our “Large” grade, but they stand out from the pack. Occasionally we come across tails that are just too good to mix in—bigger, fuller, or just better looking. They don’t quite meet “Select” criteria, but they’re close. When available, you’re getting the top end of our Large tails at the same price.
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“Large” Tails - Our most common grade—and far from average. Typically 3”+ hair, with a balance of size and usability. Some may look smaller but have longer fibers, while others are physically larger with slightly shorter hair. Either way, these consistently outperform the so-called “large” tails from most distributors.
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“Select” Tails - A clear step up. These stand out in multiple areas—longer hair (typically 4”–4.75”), larger size, or overall appearance. The kind of tail that makes you stop and say, “That’s a nice tail.” Usually available in Natural or Washed White, with dyed options only occasionally.
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“Premium” Tails - Top of the pile. Extra-long hair (4.75”–5”+), large hides, and standout quality across the board. If you want maximum length and presence, this is it. Typically offered in Natural or Washed White, with limited dyed runs.
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“Large XL” Tails - An in-between category. Larger hides than standard Large tails, but without the hair length needed for Select. Still a lot of usable material—just not the extra-long fibers.
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“Medium” Tails - Good-quality tails that fall just below our Large grade. Comparable to what many distributors would call Medium/Large. Plenty of usable hair and a great option for streamers and tailing applications.
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“Bulk Tails” - For those looking for maximum value. These are in their raw form—de-boned and dried, but not washed or further processed. Exactly how we receive them from our suppliers.
A Few Things to Know
These are natural bucktails—literally from the butt of a white-tailed deer—so variation in size, color, texture, and hair length is completely normal. We hold everything to high standards, but if something doesn’t meet expectations, let us know—we’ll make it right.
Because we process and package everything in-house, you may notice a slight odor or some residual moisture. That’s intentional—we avoid over-drying so the tails stay usable and don’t become brittle.
Storage & Care
Store tails in a cool, dry place and keep them sealed tightly. Most orders include desiccant packs to help control moisture. If grease or mold appears on the hide, wipe it with Dawn or a degreaser, then dry and store properly.
