Raccon stretchers

[TimWieneke]

Hey guys,
I've never trapped before but wanted to give it a shot to make a couple skins to show to some kids in a scouting program I teach at.  I got most of my materials, but need some recommendations on stretchers.  Can you recommend and wire stretchers or should I be looking at making wood ones?  What's a good material for wood stretchers - pine?  cedar?

Thanks,
Tim

[Dan Mich Trapper]

I think most wood stretchers are made from Basswood . As far as wire stretchers , I think mine are #5's but most of the catalogues will have stretchers that just say "coon" . I do recommend getting smaller sizes as well as the larger size . About 1/2 and 1/2 .