How to Skin a Muskrat

For decades, muskrat pelts were a major industry. Not only would they form the basis of many fur hats, they also laid the foundation for many frontier economies. Nowadays, however, muskrat skinning is a dying art, even in its former home territory. Luckily, young and old skinners alike are working to keep the skill alive.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Two knives (one dull, one sharp)
• Stretching board
• Sturdy gloves

1. Hang the animal upside down by the rear feet, with its hind legs spread wide.

2. Cut through the hide where the fur stops and the tail begins, Cut the feet at the same line.

3. Slice from the foot to the tail, by the shortest route possible. Peel the hide down towards the nose, down to the front shoulders. At the shoulders, use your knife to cut away some of the connective tissues. Pull the skin down the arm, down to the hand.

4. Cut the hide from around the animal's hand, so that very little fur remains at the wrist. Repeat the process for both legs.

5. Do not simply pull off the hide at the head. Loosen the skin first with a sharp knife. At the ears, proceed gently, and cut the cartilage. Take care while skinning around the eyes and lips. Work around the mouth, until the whole hide hangs from the nose. Cut the hide free from there.

6. Scrape the skin with a dull knife to remove the flesh and wash the hide with lukewarm water. Place the hide, fur-side in on a stretching board made of soft wood. Let the hide dry in a cold place until it is stiff. When dried, turn the hide inside out again.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with the furriers in your area. Some prefer their hides prepared in a particular fashion.
• Store your hides away from mice.

Resources

• Love for muskrat skinning evident at beauty pageant