Muskrat...Primeness, questions?

Good day all,

I was just wondering. A lot of the water systems in Northern Alberta are still frozen over. I'm probably going to trap a few rats for the hell of it as soon as the rivers are open. My question is, because the ice is still on, does it effect pelt primeness at all (does it extend the primeness period). As well, as you guys probably know, muskrats are starting to bite each other right now because of mating and territorial disputes. If the ice is still on rivers, do they do this a little less. And lastly, when can I expect to quit trapping the little buggers before the pelt goes crappy? I know we can trap them until the 15th of May here, but in May the pelts must be almost without value.

Thanks for lighting me up.

Cabot.