Although I have not actively trapped in many years, I was heavily involved in fur management back in the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s. My first trapping excursion with my Dad was back in 1971 and I was hooked for life! He taught me about trapping at a young age and never forgot it!
I have been to the North Bay sale; learned about grading and what to look for in fur quality and primeness.
I have even studied trapping and fur harvest from a management perspective; to gain a better understanding of how and why we trap fur-bearers in the first place.
For these reasons and more…I have continued to follow trapping and the fur industry over the years.
Our nation, as we all know(or at least we should) was founded upon the fur trade and has since struggled to deal with public perception worldwide. It has been an ongoing battle.
Encouraging news from the trapping circles seem to indicate that fur prices are up this year and will continue to remain high. Some fur like fox has increased upwards of 60%! The sale of fur coats in Russia has also soared and other parts of Asia and Europe as well.
Are the good guys finally winning over public opinion??
Have the Antis finally given up, or perhaps people are starting to discover the merits of wearing fur as the warmest natural apparel you can find.
There are several factors which could explain the increase in fur prices and they are all good for the industry. Fur interest in Europe and Asia is growing; following on the heals of a bitterly cold winter over there last year.
There is, however, no indication that demand for fur within North America has increased, but for now trappers will, at least, benefit from increased interest over-seas.
Let’s take the price increase as a positive sign for the industry as a whole – we all should realize that a huge part of our natural heritage would be lost should the fur industry eventually go by way of the dodo bird.
P.S. Thanks to Trapper for the heads-up on fur prices!
Outdoorsguy
Here is the news from the first sale of the season in North Bay:
Fur Harvesters Auctions first sale of the season was one of the best opening auctions in our company`s history.
Over 20 Chinese of which many were first time to North Bay took a very active position throughout the day. All International markets were represented with over 50 active buyers competing, resulting in all time record prices for articles such as Arctic Wolves, Arctic Fox and Polar Bears. Beaver which averaged $19.50 last January and averaged $31.50 at today`s auction an increase of 60%.
No one can recall such a tremendous increase over such a short period of time. This will come as great news to all beaver trappers and is long overdue. Long hair items like Red Fox witnessed huge price hikes as well with several lots selling over $100, finishing the day with eastern fox averaging $53.43 an increase over 90% compared to last January. Otter continues to advance with China and Greece competing aggressively. Otter advanced over 80% over last January`s level with a final overall average coming in at $82. Muskrats continue to sell strong with a clearance of 100%.
Our Arctic wolf collection sold at an all time record high with many countless skins selling between $800 to over $900 with a closing average of $403. Arctic fox topping at $200 and averaging $71.92 broke an all time historical record.
Everyone at Fur Harvesters Auction wish to thank the great many buyers that attended and made this sale one of the most successful January auctions in our company`s history. Members of our team are currently promoting wild fur at the Beijing fur fair and the following week will see us in Istanbul fur fair, Turkey.
Our March sale is well positioned as it follows the two most important Fur Fairs in the world…Hong Kong, and Milan. We are optimistic that our offerings will surpass last season high production levels.
In closing we wish to thank all of you who put your trust and confidence in marketing your great product through North Bay
Respectfully,
Mark Downey – CEO, Fur Harvesters Auction Inc.
1867 Bond Street
North Bay, ON P1B 8K6
Canada
Tel. (705) 495-4688
Fax. (705) 495-3099
www.furharvesters.com
Below is a pic of Mrs Trapper with a good sized coyote they caught last week..tks to Trapper for the photo:
A pic of the same coyote after boarding. (NOT Waterboarding though..that would be cruel)
