I saw coon creek outdoors using one to free the legs arms and part of tail. I have t bar water trapping rebar stakes. Will that work okay instead? Should I wrap one in some duct tape or won’t that matter? Thank you

Won’t matter.

Old phillips screw drive works good to.

Yep, it'll work fine. Sure makes getting the legs free easier. Any blunt round rod will work.

I've got smooth rod I salvaged out of something, just a bit harder than plain 1/4 steel rod. But just about anything will work if don't bend or break.

Mac

"Never Forget Which Way Is Up!"

A stick will work.

I use a broom handle. Smaller might be better.
just

I use a length of wood broom handle made to a point at one end, drilled a hole in the other end and put some cord on it so it hangs easy on a nail
about anything you have with a blunted point on it that you can work through without tearing , then get both hands on and yank.

some where right around 3-4 hands widths long

I use the butchers steel I keep close to touch up my pelting knife.

Make sure the handle is good, I was using an inexpensive steel to do this, and the handle snapped off when I pushed down. The shed floor is not getting any softer with age, LOL.

.me x3

I do this ^^ ,or my fingers.

Two foot long broom handle sort of sharpened on one end for me too.....jk

I use a short piece from a wolf wedge. I broke it so I repurposed it into my go-to armpit tool for critters. It’s blunt enough and works well, ergonomically, to kind of drive through and then pull down on.

One of the fun things that comes with trapping is that we all settle into what works for us.

1/4" rod will bend. I use a wooden dowel. Here's my skinning video with some other tips that may help you too.

Full details...



The quicker version...

It's quick on coons .

This just don't pull on the handle.
And if you hire a skinner don't let them use your good steal. I've had two broken even after telling them please don't pull on the handle.

19 or 20 inch 1/2 rod from hardware store that is smooth. File or grind the ends round and smooth. 1/4 rough rebar would be a pour choice in my opinion.

ADC I like your video already. I need to get cleaned up then I will watch the rest!
Got both coon skinned and they’re rolled up in ziplock bags to go into freezer for later fleshing. I did pretty good except made a couple dumb holes in the first one. Dang it

Their bodies are out and they’re STILL heavy!!