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OK, Colorado opened up the swift fox season this year. I need to know what size stretchers to use for swifts? Can't seem to find anything on the web for swifts. My thoughts were to try a medium coon stretcher. Any body out there used a particular stretcher for swifts?

Thanks,
Travis

If I remember right we used a #3 coon wire stretcher. Just be sure you crush the nose of the stretcher down(narrow it down) and it should work.

You could also use a large male mink wood boards. You wouldn't have to turn just put the swift fox on fur side out, just remember to use a belly wedge so the hide doesn't stick to the board.

Thanks REM. I've got a few #3's, but no mink boards. I'll have to try the coon stretchers. Do you happen to know the proper width at shoulder and hips for stretching swifts? Or for that matter lenght sizes?

Thanks for the help.

Travis

It doesn't matter on width and length.
You have a larger swift than Arizona and Nevada.
If you can get your hands on some wooden stretchers you can flesh what little there is to do on a swift, rub the leather with borax and dry fur out. So you won't have to worry about the tender hides, the rip very easily.
Squeeze the nose of the stretcher down a little so the shape looks close to the swift and pull until just tight. Don't over stretch as it will thin out the fur and make it look bad.

Thanks for the advice REM. I was just curious on the proper board size for swifts in case I had time to try and make a few wooden ones. I understand on not over stretching, and how thin hided they are. For now, the wire coon stretchers will have to work.

Thanks,
Travis

the ones i use are a size 23 from duke they have worked great for the little swift/kits we have here in nm

Thanks jkcasey. Any pictures of your swifts or kits? Allways interested in a good picture!

Travis