I've done some searching but can't find any good reference. I am going to skin my first mink and I am afraid of the scent glands. I'm guessing that they are at the base of the tail....what tips to I need to skin around them without making a stinking mess?
Thanks
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just take your time in that area and keep scalpel close to the skin!
The mink anal glands do smell, but it's more of a fishy, pungent, nasty odor - it's not like a skunk at all. It washes off easily. When you flesh the mink, the smell from the fat will be just about as bad (fishy). If you nick the anal glands, quickly pack the area with cotton or absorbent of some kind.
If you are not very careful or want to work fast, just skin the mink with a fan blowing across you and it, with the air directing the smell away from you. It'll stink up the room you're in but you can air it out later.
You can also skin the mink under water. That will control most of the smell and plump the skin for you at the same time. Watch out for slippage, and make sure to wear gloves.