Hey all,
Thinking about changing up my process and skinning then freezing fur so I can hold it until I have enough to make it worth setting up to flesh, stretch and dry.

Any good reason I shouldn't, or tips on freezing unfleshed pelts?

Species wise we are talking coyotes, bobcats, raccoon, and the occasional grey fox or skunk.

Only reason for not I can give is that when it comes time to put it up you may regret having so much to do. Happened to me last year. Also takes a long time to thaw it out. I found it was better for me to put it up every night instead of postponing it until I think I will have time.

That makes sense, I'm thinking just accumulate a week's worth then do it on the weekend. Especially since my fur shed/shop isn't big enough to leave my fleshing beam, etc set up.
Thankfully the defrosting isn't really an issue here in New Mexico, even in the coldest days of winter the sun comes out so I can defrost anything pretty quick on the driveway.

Appreciate the input!

When freezing unfleshed pelts roll them up fur out from the butt to head, with the tail tucked into the roll. Then place into a plastic garbage bag and remove as much air as possible. Rolled this way the head will be on the outside and the pelt can be easily hooked up on a rafter nail or whatever for unrolling when thawing.

I freeze a lot of pelts after skinning.I find it helps to mark each bag with species,and date caught.I also mark if there is dmg,sl dmg or gd on each bag.

Thanks all, really appreciate the advice!

I do the same but I take a small loop of cord and put it around the nose before freezing. Easier for me to hang off the nail. I bag mine in groups of 5 or 6 for later on
J

For the most part If your trapping during the week and plan on putting that fur up on the weekend you could probably get away with not even freezing most of that fur. Once you get It off the carcass the chances of that hide tainting become less. Hides left fur out and rolled up and kept In a cool shaded area will keep for days.

Lay them flat in the freezer. Fur out. A bag isn't needed, but it might be wise to put something between them so they don't freeze together. Fold the head and rear under. That's what Groeny told me to do if I don't have time to do the full put up.

A trapper friend says he has rolled skinned furs up tight & held over till next season by vacuum sealing before freezing. I'm considering doing that this year on most species