Opossums are handled almost identically to muskrats.
Hang them by the tail, and then cut about 1 1/2" above the fur line into the
tough scaly part of the tail.
Cut around each back foot at the fur line. From the top center of the cuts on
the feet make a cut up to the cut on the tail.
Use the knife to get the tail started front and back.
Pull down on hide making sure to cut the penis free if it's a male.
If it is a female extreme caution is needed to skin out the
pouch without tearing it. If you do tear it don't worry just try to keep the
size of the rip small. I have skinned opossums since I was 4 and still
sometimes rip the pouch.
Pull down to the front legs, as before work your fingers between the hide and
the body, till you get the fur just around the legs.
Pull the fur down the leg till you reach the foot, if you're strong you can
just pull and the hide will come off down to the knuckle. I recommend cutting
the hide free at the foot.
Pull down to the head and look for the white bumps of cartilage that mark the
ears. Cut them off at the base if possible.
Pull down to the eyes, and carefully cut around them.
Pull down to the nose and cut off at the beginning of the cartilage.
Place the opossum on the fleshing beam eyes up, flesh side up.
Using a dull scraping knife start scraping downward with just enough force to
get the fat coming off.Use care opossums are very easy to
rip.
Once you have all the fat, flesh and gristle off, place the opossum on a wire
stretcher.
Make sure it is centered, then hook the stretcher hooks through the two pieces
of tail. The tough scaly part of the tail will hold better
and is less likely to rip.
Some ancient bruiser opossums may need to be stretched on coon stretchers.
Opossum: