feet and toes

I was wondering whats the best way to get the toes skinned all the way out on mammals? Ive been using my scaple and pliers to work the skin down slowly and get the toes out but I get a bunch of holes there. I didnt know if someone had better or easier way of doing this, or do I just have to be more careful. I didnt have much problems with the bears but I skinned a coon tonight and had a heck of a time with it, prolly cuz its smaller. Thanks for any help, Kevin

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I skin,

Till I get to the "Metacarpal" and "Metatarsal" bones and then use a pair of needle nose pliers to gently "curl" the "Phalanges" out. Cut them off at the last digit. Have a good one! Joe

here's the best way i have found

i skinn down to the ankle and then cut foot off - then separate each toe and place each toe (where i cut it ) in a vise - this holds them IN PLACE while a pull and trim with scalple - i can skin them to the end of the toenail this way without any cuts whatsoever - i do it with every toe - sounds like it would take a long time but it is very fast this way

Toes

Kevin, I sever the feet then hang from a larger version of the old 'bird hook'. I made mine from the chain and ring off a muskrat trap and a stainless fish hook with the barb ground off. I stick the suspended hook thru the foot and, keeping a light downward pressure, pull the skin. The outside toes will be out first. Cut them off at the last joint. As you pull farther the middle toes will be inverted. I insert a probe between the toes (you could also use a nail) where they attache to the foot. This gives you something to pull on. You will only need to 'touch' the tissue with your scalpal blade since you will be applying tension as you pull down on the skin. Does the job quick and neat. Glenn

Vise

If a vise grip is not convienient to use try a piece of twine with the ends tied together to make a loop and use it like a duck strap on the toes. Just secure the string with a staple or bent nail to your workbench or hang it off your hook and chain.

and

use the vise trick and instead of using a scalple on small mammals try an exacto knife with the small pointed blades to separate the skin those little toes