Arctic Fox

[Nick Williams]

Anyone ever purchased or have an arctic fox pelt they use for tying? I have a chance to buy a full pelt from Alaska, but I just wanted to check to see if there was anything I should look for. I've already checked all the regulations  and I should be good to go. With as popular as Arctic fox fur is these days, and as expensive as it can be, I was excited at having the chance at a full pelt. 

 

Any issues to look for? 
What should I expect to pay?

Anyone tried to dye their own fox before?

 

I'd love some advice!!

[BilletHead]

Nick,

All I can say is I have tried to dye a section of tail chartreuse. Washed it thoroughly in dawn and rinsed to remove any residual oils. Used a couple of fabric dyes from hobby lobby and michaels craft store. Not much luck and then read chartreuse is a hard color to get to take. Even used some vinegar to set the dye from a recommendation from another. Have not tried since although somebody is doing it right because you can get dyed tails in every color. Good luck and let us (me) know if you have any luck,

BilletHead

[Nick Williams]

I know that there are specific dyes for certain materials, but I didn't know chartreuse was a hard color! If I remember right, the dye for animals it RIT dye or something like that. I know of some guys using vinegar and Koolaid to dye feathers, but I don't know if there's a right or wrong for some kinds of material. Will do!

[Lancer09]

I've used Kool-aid and vinegar to die pheasant tail feathers before and it works really well in the microwave. I'm sure the fox will take the color well... at least I would think. I'd be interested to know what a full pelt is running you. That'd be an investment for sure. 

[Nick Williams]

Lancer, that's one of the ways I'm hoping to try and dye it. It's an all white pelt, so I would think it would dye well as well, but we will have to see. The pelt is a couple years old, and the seller is asking $80. She paid $130. At the moment, I see it as a worth while investment!

[Lancer09]

I think your hardest colors are going to be your naturals. You can google mixes to use to get certain color combos with koolaide. I think something like olives, tans etc. will be what give you the most trouble. 

[Nick Williams]

That's what I'm expecting as well. If and when I start dyeing it, I will post results on here!!

[Nortrad]

I've purchased all my arctic fox tail pieces form Waters West in WA state, best dyed, best quality, reasonably priced. And, I'm not a tier/spokesman for them.  Here's the link:]

http://waterswest.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=28_282_30