Hi all,
I'm going through the steps with just one pelt so far. I had a bear of a time getting this racoon fleshed. I think I need a better knife and proper fleshing beam. Can you tell me if this is ok to stretch? I worry there's too much grease here--and some meat around the neck and face. But other areas are getting pretty thin.

Not going to the fur market, this is just a practice run. But I want to get it right so I can get my first coon into a hat.
Thanks!

You need a fleshing beam
Also-make sure the fur side is clean and dry and burs,matts and other detritus brushed out before fleshing.
It helps to refrigerate(cool) fatty skins before fleshing.

Ok good to know.
Does that mean I can't dry this one? Will a tannery not accept it?

I'd say you need to try and get a little more off. Especially on the back of the neck, and at the skirt. Good first job though!

Ok, spent more time on it. Starting to get little holes now, so might call it quits. Definitely need a proper fleshing beam and probably a better knife. Think I should cut the legs off?
Hopefully Tubari accepts this when its dry!

Hang it nose down and keep the grease wiped off.

In my opinion, that will dry fine now. You shouldn't have any problem getting a tanner to accept it. It will get easier the more you do, Yours looks better than my first one.