I got an otter this morning and need to know what is the best way to skin out the tail? Not sure if you I need to split it open or try to pull on it.
Thanks, Steve
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I guess it really depends on how your mounting? Then again I never tried to {pull} an otter tail...I would think It would be very hard to clean out and flesh, If you could pull? It's not like a squirrel or fox Or things like that. A lot of people will say split any and all tails to ensure a proper tan, However I don't. Yet otter I do. All ya need to do is as you said {split} then skin it, You will see how much fat & flesh comes off.
Steve,
You have to split it PERIOD!
The question that arises is where to split, and that will be determined by your use of the hide (mount position, rug, etc). I have split them on the top, the bottom, and even the side.
Inside you will find the toughest layer of fat, you will ever deal with, basically you will use a scalpel or similiar blade and cut the hide off the fat. Mother nature super glued these puppies in.
I've seen experienced trappers skin the tail completely around at it's base, then with a stick, force it down between the tail and the hide to get it out. They of course 1st split the tail.
Best of luck
Bob