How to Stretch a Squirrel Hide

A squirrel pelt needs to be properly skinned and stretched according to fur industry standards to be of value. The squirrel must be skinned in the cased method where one cut is made across the back of the hind legs and the pelt peeled off like a sock. It is then stretched over a board to dry. The pelt is not actually stretched beyond its actual size, but is only pulled down over a wooden drying form or stretching board as they are commonly called to remove all wrinkles and dry smooth.

Things You'll Need

  • Stretching board (mink size)
  • Finishing nails, 1 inch, rustproof
  • Hammer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Slip the pelt, fur side in, over the nose of a stretching board. Adjust the pelt so the belly is centered on one side with the front legs evenly spaced to each side of the board's center. The pelt's back is centered on the opposite side of the board.

    • 2

      Lay the board belly side down on a table and push the nose of the board against the wall. Hold the board in place by pushing your body against the bottom of the board. Pull the pelt toward you until the wrinkles are out and the skin side of the pelt is smooth.

    • 3

      Tap nails through the bottom of the pelt 1/8 inch in from the pelt's edge. Place nails through the pelt and into the board on both sides of the tail 1/2 inch apart. Tack the bottom back of the pelt down all the way to both sides of the board.

    • 4

      Pull the tail down and place a nail through the tail's tip into the board. Flatten out the tail skin and place nails on both sides of the tail 1/2 inch apart for the length of the tail.

    • 5

      Turn the board over and pull the belly side of the pelt firmly toward you. Tack the belly side of the pelt down the same as with the back side.

    • 6

      Hang the stretched pelt, nose down, from a rafter away from vermin. Leave it to air dry. Drying can take from two to four days, depending on the temperature. When the pelt is dry, remove the nails and pull the pelt off the board.