I work deals with hunters for furs and feathers. I mostly deal for long elk mane that I need for hackles on the giant flies.
But for deer hair, I buy the hi-grade strips with the longest hair. Two reasons, one- the hi-grade strips are well maintained and dyed without being brittle.
Two- the strips come with well-tanned thick leather that is water-proof. I use these for legs and tails on many flies after I have cut the hair from the strip.