How to skin a raccoon dog? - briefly
To skin a raccoon dog, start by hanging it upside down and making an incision from the anus towards the head, being careful not to cut too deep. Then, carefully peel off the fur and membrane, working your way around the legs and head.
How to skin a raccoon dog? - in detail
Skinning a raccoon dog, also known as an Asiatic raccoon or tanuki, requires patience and precision. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
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Preparation: Ensure you have all necessary tools at hand. You will need a sharp knife, a hook to hang the carcass, and possibly gloves for hygiene. Make sure your workspace is clean and well-lit.
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Hanging the Carcass: Hang the raccoon dog by its hind legs using the hook. This position allows easy access to the skin and provides stability during the process.
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Making the Initial Cut: Start by making a small incision in the skin, just above the anus, with your knife. Be careful not to cut too deep; you only want to penetrate the skin, not the muscle or internal organs.
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Peeling the Skin: Gently pull the skin away from the flesh with one hand while using the other hand to guide the knife. Run the knife along the line where the skin meets the flesh, carefully separating the two. Work your way up towards the tail and then down the legs.
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Removing the Legs: Once you have separated the skin from the legs, cut through the tendons at the knee joint to remove the legs entirely. This makes it easier to continue peeling the skin off the rest of the body.
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Continuing the Skinning Process: Continue peeling the skin upwards towards the head. Be cautious around the genital area and any glands, as they can be delicate and prone to breaking.
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Removing the Head: Once you reach the head, carefully cut through the skin around the neck. You may need to make a few cuts to completely free the head from the skin. Remove the head by pulling it away from the body.
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Final Touches: With the main part of the skinning done, check for any remaining flesh or fat attached to the pelt. Use your knife to carefully remove these.
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Cleaning and Preserving: Thoroughly clean the pelt by removing any dirt or debris. You can then proceed with preserving the pelt according to your preferred method, such as tanning or freezing.
By following these steps meticulously, you will be able to successfully skin a raccoon dog while preserving the quality of the pelt.