What are your test methods to decide whether to skin or not? I skinned one coyote the other day and after I was finished, I turned it right side out and shook it. Clumps flew off. Then yesterday, I skinned one and there seemed to be a lot more loose hair than I usually see? I snare most coyotes and it is finally getting colder so hopefully I wont have anymore bad coyotes but I wish I don't want to waste my time.

Tug on the belly area and abdominal area fur near the backbone and if the fur pulls out easily toss it, otherwise skin it.

Is it slippage or just broken off hairs coming out?

The first was definitely slippage. The second was just alot of loose hair.

When you tug the belly hair, how many hair follicles are too much?

When it leaves a bald spot on the pelt.

Thanks

Got a kit fox the other day and after I made my cut down the leg to the vent, I went to peel the skin down and for the next inch or so the fur just kept falling out. Any idea what was going on with that?
It was only the one side.

Probably green belly. You got any pictures. Was it quite warm out and how long before you skinned it.

Sorry no pics. It was 40ish out when I skinned it. It was maybe 30 mins after I got it out of the trap. I thought green belly at first but once I had it skinned out everything looked normal & pinkish.

Skinned one last night that looked great, fleshed like normal until the butt by the tail. Slipped there oddly enough, first for me on a coyote.
I have no idea why, no scar, no green. Usually I go with the pull test also. Slippage on a coyote will almost always be on the inside of the legs by the belly. Happens occasionally when it gets really warm, and there is a full belly. I still sell those, usually downgrade to an SDA or SDB. Not the most important fur...however, I am not talking clumps either.

Spruce

If you can cut out a taint and sew it without affecting the character of the fur when boarded,I ship.

I agree with Boco, many times slip can be repaired.