how do you guys dry pelts
 

im trying to get into trapping and possibly selling pelts. how do you guys go about drying the pelts of animals you trap

After skinning and fleshing the animal, the hide is placed on a stretcher, which can be made of wood or wire. Processing furs for sale is a skill that takes considerable time to master, but can be done easily if one enjoys doing it and has the proper instruction.

It would take several pages to describe the proper "put up" of the various furbearers, so I will provide links to several auction houses where the majority of the furs trapped each year end up. It's VERY important to skin, flesh and stretch furs to there specifications. With that in mind, don't let that discourage you, everybody had to start somewhere and everybody makes mistakes starting out. I started out with 'possums and worked my way up.

Also, seeing that you are located in OH, I would suggest attending nearby trapping conventions where pro's give demonstrations on fur handling as well as other aspects of trapping. Getting to know some local trappers would be another way to learn the skills it takes, seeing it done is priceless.

http://www.furharvesters.com/pelthandling.htm

Resources

thanks alot. i just figured like everything else there are many ways to do it. also im kinda low on money so i was just trying to get steered in the right direction

Salt n sun!

yeah. so like get it stretched salt it and set outside with inside of hide up? or what

If the pelts are going to be tanned then salting is part of the procedure. Large hides like deer are salted also. But pelts/furs intended for sale as "raw fur" isn't salted.

After I skin, flesh and place the hide on a stretcher, it gets hung in a cool airy shed until it's dry. Weather conditions, air temperatures etc will determine how long it takes to dry. At times a fan may be needed as well as a heat source. It's important not to place the pelt to close to the heat source and I try to keep mine out of direct sunlight.

ok so i guess my only question is what is a stretcher? if u have any pics id be very greatful

Here's what the wire stretchers look like. These can be bought used fairly cheap also. Fur Stretchers

.Wood Fur Stretchers (21)



Some additional pelt processing info....Handling Fur

ok this clears up everything! thanks alot for all the help guys

Great info haystack! tyvm for the links!