|
Post by jonspeed on Dec 9, 2014 16:19:32 GMT -5
OK, we are trapping for the first time ever and have caught a couple of mink. I read somewhere that you open the tail about two inches from the base, work your thumb around to free the skin from the tail and then pull it out of the fur and finish splitting the tail afterwards.
Doing this, I've managed to break the fur off prematurely and end up with a short tail.
My question is, should I continue that cut another couple of inches before I try removing the fur? Or should I try splitting the entire tail rather than risking another break?
I absolutely hate damaging a beautiful animal like this and want to do it right. Please help.
Thanks.
So far we're at Four rats and two mink on the season using about 16 sets. Maybe next year we will extend the line.
Thanks.
Jon
|
|
|
Post by bearman60 on Dec 9, 2014 19:05:33 GMT -5
split tail a little more,make sure you grip fairly tight before you pull it. congrats on the catches! good luck
|
|
|
Post by trappermac on Dec 9, 2014 19:40:43 GMT -5
First off....nice to see you're putting up your own fur in your first year...kudos. Yeah, try splitting it down farther, try to pull the bone again (hopefully using a tail puller) and if it still seems snug, cut a bit more. Before you pull, give it one last small split to help the puller along. We've all been there and we've all had short tailed mink when we learned. Good luck!
|
|
|
Post by mole on Dec 10, 2014 16:48:15 GMT -5
I am assuming that you are using a tail puller. Start the tail as mentioned. put tail puller hole around bone. Hold tail puller steady and pull on the bone straight. Do not pull with the puller. Hold only
|
|
|
Post by slyfox74 on Dec 12, 2014 22:21:50 GMT -5
I've always just used a regular clothes pin for a tail puller. It works fine
|
|
|
Post by jonspeed on Dec 13, 2014 18:00:40 GMT -5
Thanks guys. I'll try again next time.
|
|
|
Post by silverfox on Dec 19, 2014 6:03:03 GMT -5
been using a small pair of channel locks for years for everything from yote on down, critters hanging from hind legs, start the split as stated, pinch skinned portion of tail with channel locks (firm but loose enough to slide) apply downward pressure via palm of my hand on channel locks and my body weight till tail slides off the bone, good luck!
|
|