Pine squirrel (zonker strip) Dyed olive pine squirrel (Tail clump plus 1 inch of strip (collar))
Squirrel dubbing Natural with olive blended in (1 noodle (body))
How to tie it
Lay a thread base back to the start of the bend.
Cut a good-sized clump of fur from the olive pine squirrel zonker strip and tie it in at the bend for the tail, checking the length before locking it down; bury the butts.
Dub a fairly tight noodle of squirrel dubbing and wrap a fat, buggy body forward to just behind the eye.
Form a 4-inch dubbing loop, wax one side, and lay a 1-inch section of the zonker strip in the loop with the fur tips slightly longer than the underfur.
Carefully cut the hide strip away, leaving only the fur trapped between the threads.
Spin the loop 30-40 times with a dubbing spinner to form a thick fur brush.
Wrap the fur brush 2-3 turns at the front like a hackle, stroking fibers back with each turn; catch it off with thread and snip the excess.
Lick your fingers, sweep the collar fibers back, and build a small tapered head.
Whip finish with 4-5 turns, then brush out any trapped underfur with a dubbing brush.