Making wood strechers

[koolken]

Hey you guys,I want to start hunting muskrats this year and was wondering how to go about streching them?How big do I make them and do I just pull the hides on the strecher?Wouldn't the hides get to tight to pull of again and how thick should my wood be?Sorry if I seem clueless,but I think I am.Thanx,Ken.

[Bogmaster]

Ken,not sure where you live,but only a few states allow the hunting of rats.Most states,but not all, require that they be taken with traps.Be sure to check your regulations.
 NAFA(North American Fur Auctions) has dimensions on wooden stretchers,look at their web site.Also,you are right,if a belly board isn't used , pelts will be very hard to remove from wooden stretchers.
 Tom