Beaver boards

[MB1]

Hey guys where is the best place to get beaver board patters? Do you recommend wooden muskrat stretchers or wire?

Getting back into resident trapping and need to set up shop again. It's been a little over 20 years!

thanks any advice appreciated.

[bill9044]

I have a nafa pattern I picks up at the trapper show. And I use wire muskrat stretchers with clothes pins. Take a look at the muskrat porn thread that Dave posted some pics on. Some guys love the wooden boards try both see what you like. Where are you located you could trace mine if you are around Calgary.

[coy coyote]

Try a few wire muskrat stretchers and wooden ones. I made my own wooden ones. I love wooden stretch but you might need four sizes. I pick the board that best fits the rat and flesh and stretch it on the same one. Just make them long enough so you can handle them. There's lots of patterns if you Google it. I made a pattern on cardboard and screwed five pieces of plywood together with the pattern on top and ran it thru the bandsaw a.d sander. If you built them right you might not need shims.

[HunterDave]

Originally Posted by bill9044

I have a nafa pattern I picks up at the trapper show. And I use wire muskrat stretchers with clothes pins.

X2 The cardboard NAFA pattern is fast and easy to trace. I alternated black and red lines so I don't have to think too much when I'm tired.....lol!

I bought all wire stretchers mainly because they are cheap, easy and the pelts dry faster. Plus, they don't stick to the wire. Wooden ones are pretty expensive especially if you are buying different sizes.....3 dozen of each?

If you are in the area let me know if you want to trace my boards. I'd be happy to help you out.

[MB1]

Thanks guys that 's helpful. I'm in Red Deer so a little ways away to trace em but I appreciate the offer. Any other resident or registered trappers around Red Deer or Rocky?

[coy coyote]

Originally Posted by MB1

Thanks guys that 's helpful. I'm in Red Deer so a little ways away to trace em but I appreciate the offer. Any other resident or registered trappers around Red Deer or Rocky?

I'm an hour east of there . I might be able to lend you three different size muskrat boards to trace. My friend might have the beaver patterns.