PROPER PELT PREPARATIONS

There are many ways that trappers can sell their fur. Some trappers sell their catches in the round and others only skin it and sell it green. But to truly get the most money for your fur the best method is to stretch and dry it before selling. It’s an easy task to accomplish, but if done wrong your fur could be of little value to potential buyers.

HOME BASE

Remember, it doesn’t take a large space to have a “fur shed.” I recommend setting up a space in your garage or other outbuilding for this type of work, since fur processing can get smelly and messy.

The main thing that’s needed for a good fur shed is to have plenty of room for skinning your catch and hanging it to dry. A waist-high table comes in very handy to work on beavers and traps. A small space is also needed for your fleshing beam. On all furbearers other than beavers, I use a gambrel or a rope half-hitched around one of the animal’s hind legs to hold it at my shoulder level when skinning. It’s also good to have an area