muskrat fur question

[iluvtrappin]

First off, I would like to say this is the most informative place I have ever seen and what a great bunch of knowledgable people. Started looking at this site at the begining of the season and got hooked. Had to join. To this I say thank you.

Now for the question. I just started to put up my own muskrat this year and getting beginer results.:sad: I was wondering how important the eyes and nose were because that's were I'm having the problem. Everything else is fine. And again I'll say thank you

[ottertrapper]

Welcome aboard glad to have you!

[Northcountry]

I just started to put up my own muskrat this year and getting beginer results.:sad: I was wondering how important the eyes and nose were because that's were I'm having the problem.

Although damaged eyes and ears probably dont effect the usable fur at all, they do wreck the appearance and may make the buyer suspect about other conditions of the fur, thus lowering his offer.

Its not hard at all to skin eyes and ears. About the only thing you can do wrong is cut too "late", which opens them up. Just cut close to the skull, leaving more membrane and tissue. In time, you will get a feel for where you need to cut "before" the actual ear and eye openings.

[everlast1]

Hang rat by the tail and remove most of the hide with your hands. Use your knife as little as possible. Just takes practice.

[iluvtrappin]

thanks guys

[Joe R.]

iluvtrappin,

Eye holes that are slightly larger and ears as well should not have an effect on the price of your pelts. Like NC says it is an appearance issue. If a buyer trys to downgrade you for large eye holes and no other damage find another buyer. The head is really easy to skin out once you get the hang of it. A razor sharp knife helps a lot. When skinning the head keep as much tension as possible. I do this by squezzing the pelt with my hand right in front of the nose. Kind of like squezzing something out of a tube. Until you get use to where the eyes and ears are just feel around. You will be able to feel the ear cartlidge at the base of the skull. Make your cut at the base of the skull where you stop feeling the cartlidge. When you get close to the eyes you will see a whitish yellow patch on the head. The muskrats eyes will be directly to the side of those patches. The patches are towards the center of the skull and the eyes will be to the outside of it. Hope this helps.

Joe

[iluvtrappin]

thank you, this helps me out. I have always sold coon in the round, and this is the first time i have put up any fur. So I was going to meet the Groenewold truck to see how dealing with them is.

thanks again