How long?

[hardkorrhunter]

How long can a guy get away with out skinning a muskrat once its removed from the trap? Does it hurt to freeze the skins for a few days before stretching and drying?

[Humptulips]

If they are frozen no problem. Do not put them someplace warm or in warm water though when thawing.

[hardkorrhunter]

The reason I ask is because I have three thawed out rats but no stretchers at this time and it will be a few about a week before they show up.

[pnwmtnmn]

Skin them and freeze the hides, do not flesh until after thawing.

[hardkorrhunter]

Thanks pnw I will get them skinned and in the freezer tomorrow. Do you wash the fur?

[Jonathan_S]

You don't need to wash the fur.  Even with mud and sand, you can blow them off with an air compressor and they'll be as clean as need be.

Wait until they're dry to skin!  Skinning wet muskrats is a