Like many of the topics on this website, you wouldn’t have to look very far before you found someone who was a better deer hair spinner than I am. Still, I might be able make your life just a bit easier. And it won’t cost you anything.

The first thing I could tell you would be to buy anything that Chris Helms wants to sell you. I spent an hour talking to Chris one time at the Chatsworth Angling Fair (I think he was lonely for an American accent) and during that time he tied up a delightful little gray mouse. I still have it on my wall. Chris is the uncontested King of Deer Hair, both in spinning it and in selling it. And that brings us to the first point

1. All deer hair is different.

Chris has a great "All About" pamphlet you should get.

2. It’s all about preparation. Cleaning, trimming, etc.

When you follow directions, follow them explicitly. Most of them are there for a specific reason.

3. Pack, pack, and pack some more.

When you're packing deer hair, it's pretty hard to over pack. 

4. Use the right thread.

Fairly heavy, 3/0, or GSP is better. Avoid Kevlar, as it will tend to cut the hair like a razor blade.

5. Use the right tools. Bent razor blade, flea brush, curved scissors.

A bent razor blade (1/2 a double edge) makes a superb trimming tool. Curved scissors are good too. Finally, I attach a 69¢ flea comb to the edge of my bench, right above the trash bag (see photo above -  it's held with a small clamp.) This lets me clean the butt ends of the hair with one hand, making things go much faster. (Yes, I stole this idea from Chris Helms...)

6. Know when to spin, and when to stack.

A common mistake is getting these mixed up. Make some frogs, or some spotted bass poppers, so you can practice getting the hair to stay put.