Fur Prices

[Cooter]

A freind from south central WI sold a bunch of hides recently and got and average of $14.50 for coons and $20-25 for yotes.

[protrapper]

Sounds like he did better than most. I myself and a few other trappers did worse on sales this year than last. One pleasent suprisehas been beaver. I have recieved more than I thought I would. Mink are doing ok also. I'll be selling some marten and fisher January 8th so that will be intresting.

[BUSHWAC]

Protrapper, do you do any tanning of hides yourself? I'm not sure on the legality of selling furs but I would be interested in buying a Fisher pelt.

[protrapper]

I don't do any tanning myself. I have a friend who is a taxidermist and he sends some stuff out for me to Molye Tannery. It usally takes awhile to comeback.

The fisher I caught this year I have already promised to a buyer. But I do have two from last year that are already tanned in the den. One is a 15 pound plus male and the other is a big female with some markings on her stomach. I couldn't part with them. But if you get a chance go to the trappers convention there will be lots of folks selling fur of every sort up there. Also I could keep my ears and eyes open. I do some fur buying myself if I can make a buck or two.

[BUSHWAC]

protrapper, Thanks, I might just have to due that. Obviously the Fisher is not an aboundant animal. How many do you typically see each year? do you trap an otter? My trapping knowledge is a little on the weak side! Ran a few ciol springs when I was 12-13 years old and have had a soft spot for furs and trapping ever since, that was 25 plus years ago.

[protrapper]

No, the fisher is and aduntant animal. Trappers are not abundant. I usally catch one or two a year plus some marten. I may see one or two in the woods a year. Not many and I spend ALOT of time in the woods year round. Very secretive animal.

Most guys who trap the msell them to fur buyers, that way they ge there money. I used to tan animals and sell them. THen I had guys decide nah to much. Expect to pay at least 90 bucks for one. The pelt alone is worht 40 and the tanning costs at least 20 - 30 per animal.

Yes, I trap otter. I sell them right away as they are one animal worth good money now.

Jim Rosenwald of Marine On The St. Croix owns North Star Furs. He sells all sorts of furs. Wolverine, lynx, wolf etc. Plus he's a big fur buyer. Look him up also. His furs will be tanned for wall hanging or mounting. My taxidermist friend bought a lynx and wolverine from him and mounted them, coolest things. Hope that helps.

[BUSHWAC]

protrapper, thanks for the information I appreciate it! I can understand why you just deal in the raw furs. I’ll have to pursue some of the options you provided me. Good luck with the rest of your season!