This concerns predator control for coyotes on my private property.
I'm considering the practicality of skinning and finishing a coyote pelt(s). Including branching out to other furbearers.
I do not currently trap or invested for fleshing, curing and storage of hides.
So this is for the pleasure to control predator numbers and to do it by trapping and to gain experience into the trapping adventure.
In short, if I only trap a predator or furbearer occasionally would I be best off just disposing the animal and enjoy having trapped it?

Being a trapper involves many things. One of them is preparing pelts. It's almost an art form and it isn't that hard. But, as with most things, you get better at it the more you do it.

Costs to prepare pelts are minimal. A knife, a form, a scraping tool and you are in business.

If you are only going to trap a few animals, there is even more reason to prepare the pelts. They can turned into wall hangers, gifts or garments.

My 2 cents: starting out trapping to catch coyotes, which can be a challenge, only to dump them doesn't sound very rewarding. Learning to catch a coyote and process it and being able to show off the pelt or being able to say "I got X dollars for it sounds better.

A compromise could be to sell on the carcass if such a market exists in your area.

My next question would be in the curing and storage process as the pelt dries.
I have a shed I could hang pelts but it's not climate controlled, is that an issue or can a person process a pelt in the fall/winter months in the natural temperature conditions and not ruin the pelts?And what would be some good resources for the beginner trapper- books and dvds? Thank you.

Right now I have 4 dozen marten pelts drying in the down stairs bathroom. As long as it's not too damp and you have air circulation, all is good. They were skinned and fleshed in my outdoor fur shed. My shed is not heated and things will dry, slowly, if you have a fan on them or they will freeze solid.

As for resources, this place is a great start. Check out the Archives. Youtube is also excellent.

You are welcome. Let us know how things progress.