I am putting up fur for the first time this year. I have trapped for years but always had someone else put it up for me. Been learning as I go, and from YouTube videos and the nafa fur handling dvd. I have been working on coons and have most of them on stretchers, so today fleshed and put my first coyote on the stretcher. Everything went well until I messed up and cut one of the front legs too short after the coyote was on the board. I am worried it will shrink in as it dries and make a visible hole on the chest. Is there anything I can do now to prevent this? Clothspen it shut? Sew the leg hole shut when I turn the pelt fur side out? Or just hope for the best and hope it is just long enough. Will this hurt the value by much? Unfortunately this was my best coyote as well.

While it's fur in, pull leg together and tie it shut with a thin string just like a coon pelt. Cut the extra leg off (leaving the string holding the leg hole shut) then turn and let it finish drying.
Just don't over pull when tieing the the leg
Just my 2 cents

Just pin it closed while drying. No biggie.
Don't worry, legs have no value. The leg hole should not hurt the price.
Remember to trim up bottom lip

Cut front legs near the knee or slightly above.
Tuck legs inside pelt when dried.

Finished Canines
No Front Legs- No Bottom Lip



Here's an example where legs are cut a bit short. But no biggie.

I like to leave the legs long on the canines.leave the front ones inside after turning.The legskins make beautiful spiral patterd blankets.

I also leave the legs long on my pelts. Leave it up to the furrier to decide what they can or cannot use.