Here is link to the summary of info in Benchside Reference on the topic of hare feet.
http://www.flyfishingmagazines.com/ft_feature_038.shtml
I second the suggestion to split the foot lengthwise from the toes. Sometimes a sharp knife is required to get you started (watch it the foot is tough and may slip). Once split you can get at the base of the hair which you will find is about twice as long as when you try to nip it out without splitting. The hair from the middle of the foot has the best combination of kink (for floatability) and length, IMHO.