It will really depend on the amount of freezer burn, if any at all. Once thawed I like to put them in the fridge overnight so the fat is chilled. It's a lot easier to flesh that way for me with all critters. I don't usually put up critters until the temp drops and flys are not around. But that's not necessary. Make sure you have your boards or hoops ready. Beaver are usually the toughest hides for people to learn to flesh correctly. You need a SHARP fleshing knife for beaver. You can push the sides on large ones but not down the middle. For the rest you'll need to learn to use the sharp side with a slicing motion. . Most people have the toughest time by the tail. The fat changes consistency there. Small (kit) beaver can be flesh by pushing the whole hide but not larger ones. Watch a couple videos on fleshing beaver if you have not already done so. I recommend Coon Creek with Stu. He has excellent fleshing and putting up videos. Good luck and post some pics. Don't worry if you cut some holes or don't do a great job right away. All of us had to learn at some point in time.
Last edited by Turtledale; 09/05/24 04:13 AM.
NYSTA, NTA, FTA, life member Erie county trappers assn.,life member Catt.county trappers
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