VOLK FURS

Fur season is upon us and harvesting furbearers has started for most trappers along the northern tier. While the fur market as a whole is lower, there are still some bright spots with Skunk, Mink and the better Bobcats. Coyotes are very difficult to impossible to move in big quantities. The better-quality top select goods will have demand as usual, however the volume of skins needed for those types is low.

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As Trappers, I suggest just to go out and trap and go about your business, the skunk market is a good example of "you never know when a particular skin will explode". 

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Coyote -

The story on Coyotes has been the same for several years now. The better heavy sections with good color will do the best. Don't expect to break the bank with prices, but if you have nice prime, heavy skins, you will do okay with price considering the low demand. I expect $30 for top dry skins in the country and carcass prices averaging between $5-$10 for top 2 grades. #3 grades and below will not bring anything more than $1 or $2.

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Red Fox -

Red fox continues to stay the same and fluctuates auction to auction depending on demand. I don't expect any big increase, but it seems as always, the best prime heavy skins do the best. If you can catch some heavy Red Fox, you will do well with pricing.

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Muskrat -

Muskrat prices have been down and in the short term, nothing is shaking loose for big increases in price. .

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Raccoon -

Raccoon have been low for years and expect the prices to stay the same as                      past years. Bigger Heavy goods will be the most desirable. As always, prime heavy goods will demand the most money. I am looking for prime heavy coon. Up to $15 for 3X and bigger dry skins

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Beaver -

Beaver prices have softened from the short-lived high hatter prices. I expect beaver to settle into the pre-hatter price levels. Heavier prime skins will bring the highest prices. If you are trapping beaver, make sure you catch them at their peak primeness.​

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Mink -

The mink market has been an interesting one. Last spring I put together a chart of the price levels for mink over the last several years. The price levels have increased slightly over the past years. Mink is fun to catch, and prices will be higher for dry goods at the auction. 

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Badger -

Badger skins that are prime, pale with feet will do the best. Craft market is the outlet. Good demand for quality skins. Badger prices seem to stay steady if you have prime skins.

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Skunk -

The skunk market exploded at the last Fur Harvesters auction. I would try and trap as many as possible to capitalize on the market. I don't think the market is going to be around too long, so take advantage while you can.

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Bobcat - The better sections will do the best. Good cats will almost always sell.

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Until next time...