If you need practice skun'n & fleshing...now is a good time.
Groundhogs make a perfect fill in for furbearers practice sessions.
Practice on Groundhogs during the spring, summer and early fall.
Skun Groundhog like you would a Canine.
Then skun another Groundhog like a Coon, 'the money cut.' (youtube money cut on Coon)
If you have a new beam or new flesh'n knife, now is the time to test 'em out. Or just practice flesh'n.
Hone your skills, be ready when the bell sounds.