Does anyone have a picture of their “Top Lot” Cat put-up. Just curious as to what they like compared to the State Associations, as far as the Stretch.

Nevada stretch, non Nevada, quality cat handled properly is the big plus.

I had 3 top lot cats last year in the Canadian section. I put up most Nevada style but send them in both ways. I had at least one top lot last year that had front legs inside. This is last years fur picture and 3 of these kitties went top.

Legs inside is normal way.Buyer or grader knows what the legs are like when he looks at the belly,and also if they are there or cut off short.If leaving them out makes you feel better,go ahead,you wont be downgraded,but the auctions have repeatedly stated there is a slight risk of damage from ripping in the thin armpit area with front legs flopping around in a fur drum.I send some bigger cats skinned for taxidermy to the auctions with claws intact and legs out,but they do not get drummed.They are set aside.
A good fur handler should be able to put up pelts to any required specifications,depending on where you sell.
Auctions say legs in.

If you look at the top lot of heavy western bobcats (the very best), you will see a variety of put ups. If there are 10 pelts in that lot, you most likely have cats from 10 different trappers and possibly 10 different put ups. Put up doesn't really count at NAFA. What the NAFA graders are looking for is fur quality, clarity on the belly, coloration.

Where put up really matters is at the country sales. Nevada put up, especially on better cats, seems to influence the buyers to pay more money.

X2

We prefer them with front legs left inside. Bobcats are very valuable and drumming occurs before grading, if they get damaged in the drum because the front legs may possible get caught on another pelt the trapper loses out.
A good cat does not need it front legs left out to tell the quality of the skin.
Don't use wire stretchers on fur out skins.

Do you just not pull the legs through when you turn em? Do they stay pointed down inside or up? I've been shipping Nevada style for quite awhile, but would try them legs in if that is what is wanted by the auctions.

Thanks for the reply’s, much appreciated. Im real comfortable with the Nevada stretch, we actually won the award at Fallon a few years back. Was just curious what the NAFA folks wanted.

This just needs repeating...............DON't USE WIRE STRETCHERS ON FUR OUT SKINS [direct quote]

Some one want to explain why no wire on fur out skins? Does the metal react w/ leather? does it make the fur look flat? I have some modified wire stretchers (wire up top plywood below) are these acceptable they are to nafa size spec. Someone enlighten me.

FHA does not drum Lynx Cat/ Bobcat, so However you do it it should not be a problem there.

NAFA manual wants the leg inside,i've sold to Nafa for years.In a 5 year period I had 7 Top Lots with the Nevada stretch,Northern cats and 1 North Central.Myself I really like the look of the legs up and the back legs pinned together.

Got any pictures of your put-up ?

2nd Northcentral,3rd Northern cats from 2014

Thanks Rick. Nice handling ! I’m just trying to get a grip on Top Lot and how many there are per Sale. I always see the “advertisement “ cats that go for 2 or 3 thousand dollars. I now realize that there are different sections for Top Lot.

Those Top Lot cats from Northern NV,WY,CO,MT,Southern ID and Eastern OR are some different cats for sure,Nortern UT has nice heavy cats also.