Anybody got an easy way to do them? I normally use my neighbors fleshing machine for the tails because it's great for detail work, but he's out of town and last time I tried to do it with my fleshing knife, I cut half the tail off. DOH!!!

I don't spend alot of time on coon tails, there's no money in it. IF it comes off easy when I run my fleshing knife down the beam, it's good enough. Never had a problem.

On the tail, take off the fat that you feel comfortable with, then cut a wedge of cardboard from a box(corrigated) slightly larger than the tail,using push pins fasten it over the tail. When the hide is ready to ship remove the cardboard. You will find the cardboard has absorbed all the fat.
willow ...

I do put cardboard on the tail after fleshing. I was just looking for a "safer" way without cutting the tail. If you don't get docked though, I guess it don't much matter. I'll figure it out. I got a grizzle getter on the way. Once I figure that out I'll be golden.

you just lost 1 size on that coon.

Been there, done that, on another post. I was just pointing out using cardboard on the tail.

I use hardware cloth with clothes pins so the air can get to it and dry it out. As for fleshing the tail practice make perfect.

Use a large serving spoon there is so little on the tail the spoon work wonders.