Fleshing Beaver

[Whitetail200]

I don't do a lot of beaver but will trap them when the farmer I know needs some help in removing some . I mainly do coyotes but Had 4 beaver pelts in the freezer I decided to put up . Those of you that do beaver or lots of them do you just trim the ears or just cut them off . Some old info I read that a fella from NAFA just cut them off but in doing so it leaves two more holes to nail closed . Any recommendations welcomed .

[TrapperMike]

Leave as is.

[kingrat]

Your supposed to cut them off and I wouldnt worry about nailing the holes

[tomcat]

Originally Posted by kingrat

Your supposed to cut them off and I wouldnt worry about nailing the holes

Leave the ears on the pelt. The NAFA pelt handling manual states "Ears are cut close to the bone" when skinning. Their is no mention of removing the ears from the pelt.

[Whitetail200]

Thank You to all for your information & recommendations about the beaver ears on the pelt . I recently talked to a fur grader at FHA ( Ken Frederich ) on a non related matter but brought up the subject of beaver ears . Ken says - He removes them personally & traps with Mark Downey . No need to nail closed . No degrading . Cut off or leave ( Leaving the biggest thing is taking longer to dry in that area & left fat , meat with cartilage can cause spoilage ) . So I guess it comes down to personal choice for the individual trapper .

[tomcat]

Originally Posted by Whitetail200

So I guess it comes down to personal choice for the individual trapper .

Correct.