Alright, im fairly new to using the skinning machine, this is my second season. The last two coyotes I have ripped with it. The latest was I think because of a broken front leg, coyote was shot by a friend. But the other just ripped. The only thing I can think of is I didn't skin right away, I waited about 4-5 hours. I have always been able to just use the machine to pul the hide off without issue, but thinking this may only work if its still warm?

Where did the tears happen

Pulling down on the tail area while the machine is pulling the carcass up has totally eliminated any ripping I ever got even on cold coyotes. So long as they're not frozen, it works great.

~ADC~

The ripping on the on was right around the hip area. about 6" above where it was clamped up. They weren't frozen, just real stiff. Im thinking pulling on the tail will be a life saver for it. Makes sense. Thanks

Take your time and don't force it. If it gets hung up alittle use your knife.

Don't actually pull on the tail, but rather the area of the back above the tail. Also a pair of cheap knit gloves like brown jerseys or whatever over your nitrile skinning gloves will give to a terrific grip on slippery hides.

Excellent tip.

Watch the front elbows so they are not sticking out under the pelt your pulling on and make sure the clamps have a good hold on both sides if one side slips out of the clamp problems can occur then.

When you hear the hoist bog down, make some cuts ABOVE the stress line.

Just use your hammer as your pulling no need for any knife work till you get to the head. And you never get any tearing when you use slip nooses.

A piece of burlap is good to use for gripping the hide

We snare with a multiple day check so we get a lot of cold coyotes. As stated above, slow down, use a knife to "touch" spots when it hangs up a little, and last but not least, slow down.

I won't disclose the creator of this gate, but I'd pay twice what I paid for it If I had to try and get my hands on one again. Completely eliminated torn coyotes and I skin them half frozen sometimes because I hate having to pay for heat to thaw them out. If you could find something like this, its worth it if you plan on doing many. As you can see, I used to use clamps, once I got this I never went back to them.

If you feel you underpaid, I'm sure the maker would take another payment ND.