Watched a young man trying to skin muskrats his father had bought. they were so freezer burnt he was having a very difficult time. a lot of them were wasted

Can be done when you have to. Skinning fresh on most critters is best.

Make sure critter is completely dry before freezing. Combing out and hanging in front of fan over night will usually dry them completely.

Same process for thawing. Hang by front foot in front of fan over night, (I hang beaver by a back foot).

Never lay a wet critter on floor to dry or thaw unless you can turn it every hour or so. Setting on milk crate or pallet in front of fan will do in a pinch but hanging is best imo.

Room temp is ok for thawing as long as your skinning next day.