hey all, got my first beaver!! it was 48lbs

skinning was a chore with the tools I have. I have a great respect for the old timers, what a challenge!

I'm sure it will get easier in time, but it's clear that my skinning tools are lacking.

any recommendations on skinning tool types and brands?

been watching lots of videos, some better than others, but interested in some advice about tools from ya'll

thanks!

Spend the $$$$ for quality. You will regret going cheap as you get more into a great sport.

I have a Dexter, round point beaver knife. It holds an edge extremely well and I’m glad my wife got it for me for Christmas 25 years ago

All you need to put up beaver is a sharp knife and some good stones to keep it razor sharp for clean skinning.
Plywood with the size lines marked on and a light tack hammer and sharp nails for forming.
Then a one hand scraper to shine up the skin after boarding

excellent thanks...

25 years! that's saying something!

thanks

Congrats. Ive always enjoyed trapping beaver, and any water critter for that matter.

thanks

i was pumped, but was doubting my sets (they were out 2 days) second guessing myself.. then success... good feeling

Sometimes a smart beaver can take a few days to catch, never give up and keep having fun.

Congratulations. 330 or ?

If you want an economical knife that will hold a decent edge, get a Green River. Evidently, the Dexter knives were better back in the day than they are now. My Green River holds a way better edge than my Dexter. A good butchers steel is all you need to maintain your blade.

Congrats to the OP on his catch. That's great.

Boco...are you using a fleshing beam, fleshing over your knee or fleshing on the board? Beaver peeler type knife?

Clean skin Posco.Used to put up a lot of beaver at the camp.Got to keep it simple.

Thanks for the reply. I've got a couple frozen I'll be getting to in the next few days. Tried to put in some sets today but the sixteen inch bar on the chainsaw wouldn't punch all the way through the ice. Going back in tomorrow with a twenty-four inch bar and put in a couple footholds on poles.

I have worn out several of those, but I use the 5" curved skinner, with a slight point , not round nosed, the Russel Green River nowadays, and it's a much better piece of steel, and holds an edge better.

Yes a

Yes a 330 on a slide... I need to get better at limiting non target animals (1coon, 1 otter), but pleased nonetheless..

I don't understand this response.. what type of flesher? Or??

I'm no beaver expert but there is 2 methods of skinning beaver. "clean skinning" seems to take a little longer but requires little fleshing. Regular skinning seems faster but requires a lot of fleshing...

I've never done a beaver...just watched videos and such...

Good Job. Good eatin right there!

Hey chris-al... nobody likes a showoff!! LOL!
Nice work my man! Yep they are a blast to chase around. Just keep at it - you'll learn and do fine.
I'd never caught any until last year and gave it a try - I'm hooked. Water trapping is a blast! (Except when it rains a lot and the creeks come up 2 or 3 feet!!)

Good on ya'!!