Makes sure you trim all the fat, meat and conective tissue from the skin. Wash the hair it in some dawn, stretch it and let it dry throughly. When it is dry, you can work it a bit to soften it up but it isn't necessary. Cut it up into workable pieces and you are good to go, one hide will last a lifetime but collect as many tails as you can. Treat them the same way. It is easiest to peel the tail skin off while the bone is still on the animal, but still possible if the tail is cut off. Good luck.