Measuring a beaver for boarding?

[Whistler]

First of all I use a board with the oval patterns. What methods are used to get the correct size ring? I know some of you ole hats are going to say its all by feel but there must be some tricks! I start out good then It gets tight as I go around, If I start out loose I don't feel as if I get the stretch I need and am loosing size.....If you start out on one ring of the board is Ok to nail short of the line as the skin tightens up rather than pull and over stretch? In fleshing what about the lips and the nose do they need to be on the board or can they be cut away? I know I have asked alot of questions but I hate to do all the work only to mess it up in the final process!

Thanks to all,

[Bogmaster]

Everyone runs into the same problems you have.like anything else, the more you do the better you get at it.Seems like a guy always has to move some nails.
 If the pelt will not reach the next line , you can go part way, the only thing with doing that,you must make sure not to lose your shape.
 Lips and nose can be removed without hurting the pelts value.So unless you are planning on giving that beaver a smooch, the lips arent needed   lol.
 Tom

[steven49er]

I cut off the nose and lips.  It isnt entirely necessary but I feel it looks better on the finished product.  I also cut off the ears.  No particular reason but they wont dry and it is possible for them to "smell".

When trying to stretch to the correct size its a learned art.  I try to stretch them to the largest size possible.  Even if I must pull like heck to get it there.   Try to follow the pattern but if I must fudge in a few areas to get the pelt stretched out to its full potential I will.  Consider when you take it off the board if you will be able to tell if it is exactly to the form.