First year trapper and I'm having issues with fleshing. Today I figured out what is fleshing too deep, unfortunately - but lesson learned. Anyone got advice? Now I don't know what is just right depth...or what I should look for. Today I noticed hair - hence why I know I was too deep. Today was also a raccoon. I feel like seeing it in person would be so much better but COVID has really scared people in my area and canceled all rendezvous to watch demos.

I've also tried watching YouTube videos but honestly none of those have really helped me. They just make it look easy as pie. I know practice helps also, but would be nice to have a better idea.

Thanks

Flesh off the fat,push it off.You may have to shave with a knife or sharp flesher on the back from neck to shoulder area.the rest should push off.
Once it starts to dry on the forming board you will notice white spots where you missed.They wont be drying like the rest of the pelt.You can take a sharp rounded knife like a beaver knife and shave off those spots while it is on the board.

Like Boco said push the fat and excess meat off and when you notice those white spots shave them off as suggested.

Wisconsin has a very active trapper Association with a great program for young trappers. I bet there is some one in the organization that would be willing to help you out.

PM muskrat or RdFx and I bet they can connect you to some one that lives close by to you.

Good Luck.

When you are ‘pushing’ the fat try keeping the fleshing blade at about 90 degrees to the hide and have the bevel side of the blade towards you. This might help with not cutting into he hide. Play with the blade angle and the down pressure you’re using to push. Try to keep the hide from bunching up in front of the blade. Good luck!

What part of WI are you from?

A quality fleshing knife makes a world of difference as well

^^^ X2 also keep it clean

10 -4 on a quality fleshing knife. But If you don't now how to use it It's a mote point.

Keep the hide tight, push with the dull side, shave with the sharp side.

Check out Coon Creek Outdoors Professional Fur Handling series...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTP-XZtxRSY&list=RDCMUCporYDck6ZOfqtqQX7SLs5g&index=2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94BkE33SN0g&list=RDCMUCporYDck6ZOfqtqQX7SLs5g&index=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xawN18HLz_8

This guy always puts out good content. ^^^^

Most beginners don't know what to look for, AND they keep going over and over the pelt, not knowing how hard to push and in generalwearing through the skin, so to speak. It is best to get under the fat and get it off with as few of strokes as nessesary. When you can't get it to move with the dull side, shave with the sharp, like on the back area of a coon. Personal tutoring is the quickest way to learn, so find a trapper that puts up his own fur and watch and get some tips from him.

Good advice lee I had a young fella show me how to push my knife sideways when fleshing beaver, it was a game changer for me, I used to struggle now I love putting up beaver, there's no substitute for experience, just gotta do it.