i just skinned a raccoon to be mounted and after some reading through th archives about skinning the toes out, some people say they skin them the whole ways to the toe nails, i found this next to impossible, i was able to skin them to ALMOST the end ( about 3/16 of an inch to the end) but that last little bit i couldnt get,is there an easier way? i suspect that that last little bit has to come out or it will rot! i would appreciate some input from anybody. thanks joe
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wire cutters(beveled blade type)..... i use a small set of wire cutter pliers so that i can get a good grip on the toe bone (being careful not to apply too much downward pressure on the pliers causing them to cut through the bone) and just continue to pull the toe bone down to the last joint b4 the nail....i use this method for all mammal feet and its worked excellent for me...if you still cant see a "3d picture" of what im talking about e-mail me and ill explain in more detail
good luck
eric
thanks eric, i'll try this next time,by the way do you fill the feet with latex caulking or do you use clay? i,ve read where people do both, the caulking sounds easier if it works as well as the cly i don't know. well thanks for your input. joe
joe,
ive used both and to be honest im happier with the caulk as clay tends to give the toes a "shrunken" look i guess is the best way i can explain it...now of course i have seen other peaples work with clay that looks great its just a matter of nowing how much extra clay to use so that things look right when dry boils right back down to personel opinion try both see what works for you
good luck
Eric
I need alittle help on the best way to skin a coon for sale of hide