Q&A for How to Skin a Raccoon

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  • Question
    If I freeze it for later, do I need to add salt?
    Community Answer
    No, the freezing temperature will preserve it. Make sure to put it in a plastic bag.
  • Question
    How many musk bags are on a raccoon, and exactly where are they?
    Community Answer
    There are none, but there is a gland in the front leg. You do not need to worry about it if you are not eating the meat.
  • Question
    I got cut using a knife I used to cut a coon. Can I get rabies?
    Community Answer
    Yes, if the knife was not sterilized between the skinning and when you were cut.
  • Question
    Do I cut the arms off or do I leave them inside to stretch it when skinning a raccoon?
    Community Answer
    Leave the arms of the fur on it when stretching. Make sure they do not fold, otherwise it will rot.
  • Question
    Is this the best way to skin the raccoon and sell the fur, or are there better ways?
    Community Answer
    This is the best way to skin a coon to sell, though there are other ways. You can skin the coon in a diagonal line (from nose to tail), but the hide will then be less valuable.
  • Question
    Do I need a tail stripper?
    Community Answer
    You do not need one, but it is probably easier to skin the coon's tail if you use a tail stripper. You can just use a knife, but it will be a bit harder to skin that way.
  • Question
    How do I make a hat out of the skin?
    Community Answer
    It is quite complicated. Bring it to a taxidermy shop. Don't try to do it on your own. Get someone's help first, and make sure it is sanitary before wearing it.
  • Question
    With what do I cover up the inside of the hat?
    Community Answer
    Tandy Leather used to offer a couple of good fur hat patterns, and I believe they still do. I used their classic pillbox pattern for my coonskin cap. They suggested using a soft, thin leather such as suede as a liner, if desired, which I did; it has served well for probably over thirty years. I have a new coonskin that I plan to make a cap from, and this one I will probably leave unlined. Correctly tanned, the skin inside becomes leather anyway. A lining of any kind only adds to the insulating quality, so I'd recommend skipping it unless you live in a cold clime.
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