When stretching beaver what gives the best results, boards or hoops. I put up all of my fur except beaver and would like to start putting them up. I helped a buddy of mine put up some beaver a few years back and we were using hoops and I thought it was kind of a pain using those hooks. Your thoughts please.

This was my first season and I decided to use hoops, they worked great for me so I'll probably stick with them. There's an over sized hog ring on the market that Newt Sterling and Rich Kasper both carry, 1 7/8" I think. These work great and make for easy hooping. Mr. Kasper makes a great hoop also, best I've tried yet. I've found that most board their beaver and put up some good looking fur. Try both and see what works best for you.

boards are all i have ever used, seen a good many beaver put up on hoops and will stick with plywood.

seems you get a better shape and have more control over fixing holes in a hide and getting the leg holes closed.

boards

I use boards but I would say the easiest method to learn is the one that someone can show you in your skinning shed. Very difficult to beat hands-on experience when learning something new.

Clark

I have always used boards myself but I know ppl who really beleive in the hoops they tell me a beaver will dry faster and more evenlly because the air is easily circulating around both sides as compared to a board where you may not get as good of circulation. I am gonna try some hoops myself and see how I like em compared to more traditional plywood.

Were you doing it on the floor?? I did that till I learned better. That's way to hard IMO...LOL.

There's an easier way!

Easy beaver hooping...

You need some kind of hook hanging from the ceiling just above eye level...and about 6" from a wall. Being close to the wall keeps the hoop from spinning. Hang your hoop from this. Take your beaver pelt and put two hog rings through the nose....or in front of the eyes if you trim that area off. Put the beaver on the hoop with one hog ring on each side of your hanging hook. that will keep the beaver from falling off the hoop. Check length....adjust the hoop and go to town installing hog rings your usual manner.

I use both methods. I usually put blanket size beaver on boards and the smaller ones on hoops. When using hoops, I lay the hoop on a beaver board, hold the hog ring with a pair of pliers, and use a small hammer to tap the hog ring thru the hide and hook it over the hoop. I find hooping quicker and easier on the fingers than nailing. They definately dry quicker on hoops and the finished product has denser fur which my buyer likes.