So you’ve harvested a coyote and skinned it clean — now what? Instead of letting the pelt go to waste, you might be wondering how to use coyote pelts in meaningful, practical, or even artistic ways.

Coyote fur is durable, warm, and has been used for centuries by hunters, trappers, and artisans alike. Let’s dive into the many uses for coyote pelts, whether you’re looking to honor the animal, stay warm in the winter, or even make a little side income.

1. Clothing and Outerwear Trim

One of the most common uses for coyote fur is in the fashion and outdoor gear industry. Learning how to use pelt effectively can be a gamechanger.

  • Parka hoods: Coyote fur is especially popular as a trim for winter hoods because it doesn’t freeze when it gets wet — a big bonus in cold climates.
  • Gloves, hats, and mittens: Lined with coyote fur, these accessories are incredibly warm and wind-resistant.
  • Full coats or vests: A bit more advanced, but coyote pelts can be sewn together to make full garments for extreme winter protection.

Many traditional garments used by Native American and frontier cultures included coyote or wolf fur for both function and style.

2. Rugs and Wall Decor

If you’re wondering how to incorporate coyote pelts in your home, a tanned pelt makes a beautiful rustic rug or wall hanging.

  • Display it in a hunting lodge, cabin, or man cave.
  • Use it as a centerpiece above a fireplace or headboard.
  • Combine several pelts into a larger wall piece or throw blanket.

Tanning the pelt professionally will help preserve its color and texture for years.

3. Craft Projects

For the DIY crowd, coyote fur can be a fantastic material for custom projects. Experimenting with how to use pelts creatively can be rewarding.

  • Blankets or fur throws
  • Knife sheaths with fur inlays
  • Drum heads (some traditional instruments use fur in combination with hide)
  • Dreamcatchers or ceremonial items

Crafting with coyote fur adds a wild, earthy texture that’s hard to replicate with synthetic materials.

4. Taxidermy and Mounts

A full coyote mount or shoulder mount makes a striking display piece, especially for those who appreciate predator hunting. If you don’t want a full mount, a soft-tanned hide or open-mouth rug mount can still make a bold visual statement and are excellent examples of how to use pelts.

Tip: If you plan on taxidermy, skin the animal carefully (especially around the face and ears) and freeze the hide immediately.

5. Trade or Sell

Coyote pelts still have value in the fur market, especially if you trap or hunt during peak winter when pelts are in prime condition. Knowing how to use coyote pelts to create marketable products can be financially beneficial.

  • Northern coyotes typically have thicker, lighter-colored fur, which fetches a better price.
  • Tanned pelts can sell to clothing designers, craftspeople, or trading posts.

Fur auctions and online marketplaces like Etsy or eBay (depending on laws) are great places to explore resale options.

6. Cultural or Ceremonial Use

In many Native American cultures, coyote pelts were used for ceremonial dress, symbolic items, or storytelling. The coyote often represents the trickster or teacher spirit. There are many traditional ways to learn how to use coyote pelts for these purposes.

If you’re using a pelt in this way, treat it with respect — learn the history and meaning behind the traditions you’re engaging with.

7. Training or Scent Work for Dogs

Believe it or not, coyote fur is sometimes used for training purposes. For example, one might use coyote pelts for training hunting dogs or scent detection drills.

  • Training hunting dogs (especially for predator control work)
  • Scent detection drills or simulation of wild animals

You can attach a coyote tail or fur patch to a dummy for use in tracking games or exercises. Need ideas for other game you’ve hunted? Read also: https://monsterwhitetails.ca/creative-and-practical-ways-to-use-a-whitetail-deer-pelt/