So of the 13 beaver I've put up I've stapled every one to a board with the stencil pattern. I'm just wondering if there are certain advantages to a hoop. The ones I can think of off the top of my head are that the fur side of the drying pelt gets air flow. Also you could just leave them on the hoop until ready to sell or tan. I really like the efficiency of stapling to a board though. It's super quick and easy to board and does not take nearly as long as I've heard to take off the board. I just take a pair of needle nose pliers and go down pulling staples. So for you seasoned trappers that put up beaver would like to hear what you think about pros/cons.

In the current hatter market it will not matter. I am going tohoop this year put up will not be as critical will only use enough hooks to hold general shape

went to hoops years ago. see no differents in price. even got a top lot a few years back, but is that really a better pelt or is nafa just trying to give you a feel good.......

You can do 2 hides at once on boards.

In. this current market I don't flesh or stretch, sell green.

Hoops for me are easier that stencil thing was not for me, just need some hoops, hog rings and a sharp tipped knife that works just fine! The advantages for me is the beaver shapes itself it will warp if needed with no harm to the hide it dries on both sides and the oils side can be wiped down of needed.

Like said have never had a problem except for one buyer that tried to get them for 1/2 of what I did get for them so I think he was trying to lowball me ended up getting about double what he offered. Never had a issue at a sale and have gotten top lot for them so it has no negative outcome using the hoops. They are light and easy to store it does take a lot of hog rings. FYI they are reused and you never bend them just hook the hide then the hoop just unhook to remove them.

At first, thought this post was about basketball.

I've used boards for several decades. Always liked 'em. Found that the heavy-leathered Alaskan beaver would twist the hoops into figure-8s if you didn't nail them to a wall. In country with relatively low humidity, never had any problem with drying beavers on boards, and, as pointed out, could do two at a time. Always lifted the beaver pelts a bit up the nails to get air underneath. The way I see it, doesn't make much difference, but I'm sticking with boards.

Jack

yup

I flesh and stretch and market at auction, as the nearest green buyer is some distance away.

I agree with Jack. My beav always wanted to twist so bad on hoops, I just got sick of trying. Jerry, I'll bring you a presant when I come through next fall. Hope I don't forget! Think I still have a hoop or two laying around and hog rings! I know I got rid of the hoops at least ten or fifeteen years ago!

Tried the boards when I first started on beaver it was more of a diamond shape when I was done! LOL

Boards for me.And Nails.Have done all methods and boards and nails are best for uniform,good quality finish and efficiency.
Plus after a couple hundred beaver,the boards make great marten and mink boxes.

I can see it now - Beav with a staple gun in each hand, tacking out two beaver at the same time. Only thing that slows him down is when he has to reload the staple gun. LOL

i heard when he was younger,he just put the nails in his mouth and spit them in.had to stop cause they were too hard to pull back out.

I am with you on this I use boards and nails also .Just re use the nails till there is no use to them after.

Boards are faster, and you can get a more uniform/standardized product.

Thanks guys, I'm of the opinion if it ain't broke don't fix it, but didn't know if there was some serious advantage to hoops I wasn't aware of. Boards and stapling has been working well for me. Put up another beaver this afternoon without even thinking about a hoop.

Never messed with hoops they look cool but just don’t see a need for them. Nailed a pile of beaver on boards over the years without stencil just letting the beaver make its natural oval shape. Got stencils before this last season and it sped up the process even more.

I thought this was a basketball thread


GO ZAGS !!!

Boards here, never had tried hoops. I agree I would think that boards are more efficient.