Hunting Washington Forum

Other Activities => Trapping => Topic started by: hardkorrhunter on November 20, 2013, 07:54:37 PM

Title: How long?
Post by: hardkorrhunter on November 20, 2013, 07:54:37 PM: 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?
Title: Re: How long?
Post by: Humptulips on November 20, 2013, 10:13:26 PM: If they are frozen no problem. Do not put them someplace warm or in warm water though when thawing.
Title: Re: How long?
Post by: hardkorrhunter on November 22, 2013, 04:11:24 PM: 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.
Title: Re: How long?
Post by: pnwmtnmn on November 22, 2013, 05:56:08 PM: Skin them and freeze the hides, do not flesh until after thawing.
Title: Re: How long?
Post by: hardkorrhunter on November 22, 2013, 06:19:41 PM: Thanks pnw I will get them skinned and in the freezer tomorrow. Do you wash the fur?
Title: Re: How long?
Post by: Jonathan_S on November 22, 2013, 06:24:10 PM: 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 :bdid: