I have done several other critters but I was wondering if I have to take the saddle off before I do these. They are fresh caught. I am sure I have to but just to make sure, brfore I mess up. Never did a mink or a muskrat.....jk

Yes.

Just be careful not to over flesh them and expose the hair roots.

If you are tanning the mink. Remove all the flesh and fat. IMO the tan always turns out better when you do. It's hard to over flesh a prime mink

The saddle will have to come off at some point.
If there is fat under the saddle remove it right away,otherwise you can process it with the saddle on and remove it anytime during the process or right at the end if you want.Saddles on small skins like,mink,weasels,squirrels,or non fatty animals like some fox and some cats can be removed after or during relaxing,after or during pickling or after or during tanning.Animals with heavy saddles like beaver,otter wolf coyote etc the saddles need to be removed when initial drying of the skin takes place or before salting.
Skins like weasel and squirrel I will tan with the saddle on and remove it when tanned right at the end while finishing when cutting off the bloom with sandpaper.This is the best way to handle rats too.

Boco, do you do immersion or topical tan? Saddle on would be.a bit tough on a topical tan I'd think

Immersion.

gif you are right---it is hard to over flesh mink!! That is some tough hide they have. I did three each way, saddle on and off. Thanks all.......jk

If your tanning do it when they are fresh if your selling leave the saddle.

Yep I know to leave the saddle on to sell. These are coming along real nice and easy. I have only done coon and beaver before-they equal WORK. Mink are simple and super tough hide. At first I was way to gentle and now I just attack the fleshing job. Looks good so far.....jk

Just curious but what product are you using for a tan?

Alum since I dont use them for garment