How to Stretch a Beaver Hide

Sketch a large circle on a piece of plywood. The circle is the shape traditionally desired for a beaver pelt, and is attained through the stretching process. The circle will guide your work. You can also choose to use a stretching frame, which can be purchased at most hunting stores and fitted to the animal's size.

Place a freshly skinned pelt flat against the plywood. If you choose to use a frame, simply stretch the pelt over it, and tack it down. In either case, it is essential the the skin be fresh so that it is flexible and easily stretched.

Nail the hide to the plywood. Place four nails just below the head, about an inch apart. Stretch the pelt towards the bottom of the board as far as possible and secure it at the base of the skin by driving four nails in directly above the tail.

Pull the skin to each side as tightly as possible, securing one side with nails before doing the same to the other side. The nails going down the sides of the pelt should be about one inch from each other.

Stretch the pelt towards the marked circle on your plywood, driving nails around the circumference, one inch apart. The skin should be pulled as tightly as possible, stretched taut.

Dry the pelt. Be patient, as the pelt of a beaver can take up to a full week to dry fully. This is an important step, as the drying process is what helps the skin maintain its new shape.