Fleashing and tanning a beaver

[muskybill50]

Hey i just wanted to get some info on this subject i a a beaver the first one i have ever trapped and i wanted to tan the hide or do i need to at all?  I already have it skinned out and ready to go.  I also wondered what the best inexpensive fleashing is out there i have a small jim hall mamal tool but its alot of stress on my hands is there any thing easier thanks muskybill

[Hudson]

If you are trying to flesh a beaver with that tool you may end up never fleshing another animal. At this point a sharp knife in a careful slicing motion will flesh a greasy beaver. Next beaver take the time to skin/flesh the beaver as you go, go slower and cut very close to the hide leaving as much as possible on the carcass. Then get yourself a decent two handled fleshing knife and a good fleshing board, you can get these at any supply house. There are many different ideas for fleshing boards, wood, PVC pipe etc. After a few hides you can graduate from there.

[Fishhunt223]

I find it easiest with those really fatty hides like beaver and coon to salt it overnight before fleshing.  This makes the fat and flesh firmer and easier to trim.  You can also use saw dust and get the same result.
Travis

[Lisa M]

You can also take an air compressor, cut a small slit on the same line as where you will eventually cut to tube/dorsal/whatever you want skin it, and air up the beaver.  Don't laugh too hard.  It works.  Blood bubbles come out the nose.  Supposed to work on turtles too, but I've never done that.

[Laurier]

tried it on a big timber wolf , looked like the sob , gained 100 lbs , was NOT any easier to skin , but , different fatty tissue under the skin.