I got one this morning and it is somewhat rare in my area. We have a season and all is good with being a legitimate catch. I have no problem putting up fur correctly, but this is a new experience. If someone that has experience would comment on proper put up methods, I would greatly appreciate it.

You might just think of them as oversize coons, except you need to flesh off the tail. And you may find fleshing a little difficult. I keep the fur damp while I work the animal.

So, I can skin and flesh while the fur is wet? Should the fur be dry when it is boarded?

Youtube helped me out big time when I got my first one. Seeing what needs to be done visually helps me better than reading about it in print

Skin and put up the otter like a mink. Keep the fur damp/moist while skinning and fleshing, NOT WET. It may also be boarded mildly damp. To facilitate ease in fleshing the tail, slit and cross hatch/slit the beads of fat being careful not to cut the leather. Dry Otters slowly in an area that is away from heat. Proper drying temperatures range from 40°f–60°f in an area with good air circulation.

If you can,let the fur dry in a cool place before skinning..Dampen the fur and your beam when fleshing.Otter saddle is similar to a beaver saddle as far as beaming them goes.You can push it all off with the dull side if there is fat under the saddle,otherwise use the sharp side on the back.The neck is grisly and the tail is tricky.A lot of guys like to flesh the tail with a beaver knife,but it can be done with a fleshing knife also.It helps to score the two thick chunks of fat on either side of the tail so the tail lays flat before scraping with the fleshing knife.
As far as boarding goes keep the tail a natural shape,and trim any loose skin from the window.Dont cut the window into the flank,and use a good size key to help you get the dried skin off the board.Some like to insert the key from the head end.

Beside what is stated, nail the tail all the way on the sides to have it open.beside a belly board. I skin them and flesh them after I get home and they are damp then and put on board damp also.Like Boco stated the tail is tricky to do.Take your time doing it.

I pleat my otter tails, personal choice. Don't forget your belly wedge or you won't get that thing off the board

Depending on the size of the otter...board width is important if you're shipping to NAFA. They will dock size if it's stretched narrow, regardless of length. This comes into play with larger otter. Might not make as big a difference in price with the down market but a few years ago that could be $50+ per pelt lost.

all otters are scanned at NAFA and the square inches pop up and they go into the right size container to what is in the program, it's been used for over 10 years now.

Thanks to each one for the responses and help, it is appreciated. The wealth of knowledge available on this site is amazing, plus the willingness to share knowledge. The otter tail is tough, but it is done. Thanks again!