Before parachutes caught on - I can remember some of the old time lure makers complaining about the quality of the local deer tails.

They said the best ones were from the northern states. Something to do with colder climate making the hair longer.

Not sure if there is any difference in a buck or doe tail - if you are seeing tails cut from both - guess it does not matter.

Mepps lures used to offer a trade in for squirrel tails. I knew a guy who would gather them from road kill.

I had a friend who complained about an old girlfriend who had a squirrels tail. Apparently it was not pretty because she is not around anymore.