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 in fly tying, 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!!

****I posted this in the fly tying forum as well, but I wanted to post here just in case someone outside of fly tying might have some insight!***

[Mitch f]

I tie Artic fox for jigs all the time, it's my go-to pattern. There are longer guard hairs and finer under fur. Depending on what you're imitating, you can use both on the same jig/fly. Just make sure the underfur is long enough. What color are you getting?

[Gavin]

Pricey stuff. If you can get a dozen or 20 tails I'd take and die a couple in 3 colors.

 

[Nick Williams]

It is just a white pelt, tail face and all. I'm hoping it will work out, but I trying to check around and make sure I'm not missing anything. I'm planning on trying to die some parts of it as well, so we will see what happens!

[Craig's Outdoor Sports]

Take a small piece of it and try dying in RIT dye just like you would for buck tails.  Should work the same.  Boil water, add dye, boil fur for a minute or so, take out and let air dry.  Again, try a piece first to make sure before dying the whole thing.

[Nick Williams]

51 minutes ago, Craig's Outdoor Sports said:

Take a small piece of it and try dying in RIT dye just like you would for buck tails.  Should work the same.  Boil water, add dye, boil fur for a minute or so, take out and let air dry.  Again, try a piece first to make sure before dying the whole thing.

That's the plan. I won't be dying all one color, that would be a waste!! 

 

Do you know a good source for RIT?

[Mitch f]

If I were you I would just buy from here, just my opinion, could be a mess. Cutting your own zonkers takes practice and you can waste lots of fur getting it right.

http://hareline.com/hairfur.html

[Nick Williams]

I don't think I'll try to cut zonkers out of it, just squares for pieces of fur. I get all of my materials from Harlin already, but even at the discount I get rabbit zonkers are still cheaper and just as effective in my opinion. But for a collar or brush, fox tends to have more 'bulk'.