Before skinning, the muskrat must be completely dry. Pelting should be done with a long, thin, sharply pointed blade approximately 3.5" to 4" in length.

The pelt must be dried and combed before proceeding. However, if skinning is done on the trapline and you intend to board it later, the pelt should be turned with the fur out and rolled for transportation. Later in your home or shed, it must be hung until dried and cooled before fleshing.

SKINNING

Prepare to skin by either laying the muskrat on its back or by hanging it from its tail from over head, with its tail nearest your knife hand.

Grasp the right foot and make a straight cut from the base of the heel to the tail. Continue to push the knife through the underside of the tail and cut up leaving 1 to 11/2 inch of tail attached to the belly fur. Turn the muskrat around and repeat procedure meeting at the tail incision. You will notice the line where the fur from the back (longer) meets the belly fur (shorter).

The 1 to 11/2 inch of tail left on the skirt of the belly prevents the pelt from tearing when it is mounted on the wire stretcher. Free the back side of the muskrat leaving the same amount of tail skin as done on the underside.

Now, with these cuts completed, work your hand up the back between the pelt and the flesh. Work the pelt over the head, cutting the ears close to the skull and with care around eyes and mouth. Next pull the front feet through the pelt and carefully work the pelt away from the belly down to the tail.

FLESHING AND STR ETCHING THE MUSKRAT

Only excess fat and meat should be removed. The saddle must be left on. Removal of the saddle will leave your rats papery and have less value. We recommend using wire stretchers as it makes each muskrat a uniform fit. However, wooden stretchers can be used. As with all pelts, make sure the pelt is centered properly on the stretcher. Pull the pelt down snugly on the wire frame.

Insert the tension hooks into the tail leather. Put most of the pressure on the belly hook. This keeps the pelt snug on the stretcher yet allows the back where the fur is graded to be left loose so over-stretching is reduced. Make sure the nose does not slip over the end of the stretcher. Use a clothes pin or a nail through the nose. Wipe off excess grease with paper towel or cloth.