I somehow ripped a marten pelt when I inserted the belly board after turning the pelt. I didn't notice the rip until I pulled it off the board. The hole starts at the front legs and is about 2 inches long. Would rehydrating this pelt and sewing it up cause a slippage issue or should I just take my licks?

If the tear is straight and right inline with the belly it should not decrease its value. However, it could tear much worse in the tumbling process. I would do as you suggest, and rehydrate with a damp towel for a while. You should have no slipping problems.

Thanks waggler.

Rehydrate only to the point where the skin is easily sewable. Don’t over hydrate and try to avoid rehydrating the full pelt.

I agree with waggler that the tear, even though small now, could become much worse in the tumbling process. Tumbling will happen if you shop it to an auction house. If you are going to sell to a country buyer, most likely the pelt won’t be tumbled before he/she buys it. So where you sell might affect your decision as whether you will sew or not.

Sew it no doubt if you don't they'll dock you.