I shouldn’t have to make too many cuts other than heel to heel, tail, shoulders and head for this raccoon right? A big problem of mine is actually pulling the pelt down. Especially with using gloves, it’s hard to get a grip. Does anyone have any ideas or tricks to get a better grip on the pelt???

Use an old tiwel, or a leg off a pair of jeans.

If your using latex gloves ? Get some cheap cloth gloves to go over latex.

I do have some junky jeans that need to go. I wear my Levi’s to DEATH

I roll the skin back over itself (once you get it far enough down) so I’m holding onto a ball of fur when I pull

ADC wears skinning gloves under the white cotton ones. He says it gives way better grip.

Get ahold of pelt as close to carcasse as possible then push down on top of hand gripping fur with other hand. It really help grabbing it right close to carcasse

It's also no big deal if you have to cut as you go. Just takes longer, but I assume you aren't skinning many.

Ha ha yes just one for now!!! It’s been very cold so it’s waited a couple days. No problem. I really don’t mind it but boy my husband can’t stand the smell of raccoons!

If you want to make it a lot easier, get a pair of vice grips, pull the pelt once you get your initial cuts made. Makes it way easier to pull on the hide.

^^got those!! Good ideas everybody thanks!

I wrap the tail around my hand and get my knee up on the pelt and that way can use my whole body weight to pull down without using my arms. Don't wear your best jeans when doing it though.

Yes. Way better grip. Here is the long version of me skinning....

The quick version, if you're old enough to watch it. lol

I used to put a slip knot on each end of a rope and put it around the hide and put your right foot in the other loop. Push down with your foot to pull the hide and your hands are free to work.

Check out these coon creek outdoors fur handling videos. I think they will help you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTP-XZtxRSY&t=64s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94BkE33SN0g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_SCwngQRPA

Then I got a skinning machine, and I love it.

I agree with all the advice given. If you are really getting into trapping, you can make a skinning machine without any welding. I did using a hand crank winch like you use on a boat trailer, a couple 4X4s, and some other lumber. I always had sore wrists after skinning a lot of coon and otter. Made all the difference. Try You Tube for ideas.

Done! Used some of your tips and the pelt is off! Took me a half an hour from start to finish but better than previous attempts. Going to freeze and flesh a different day!

Looks more “yeller” to me today tho . Maybe it was the morning light in that first picture?

Skin em when warm next time, it'll make it ALOT easier. Then you can chill it for fleshing. That tail is absolutely dreamy!

Dreamy!!!!!

Do they pay xtra for dreamy tails? Before long you'll be whipping one out in 5 minutes.