Without a doubt over the past couple of years the fur prices have been in a depressing state. In the 1970's a single raccoon pelt could bring up to $40 and in today's time that would be near $240. A single raccoon pelt in the fall of 2023 is worth roughly $5, if you're lucky. Now to put all the work, fuel, time, and supplies invested in this activity for virtually nothing in return. Today's trappers and fur harvesters understand it's less about making a living or even breaking even, but it's about passing on a tradition they were once taught. New trappers are now put in a situation where they know that the only return is the feeling of success and sense of peace being within the woods.
Fur prices have always been known to fluctuate with the demand of certain species for specialty "in fashion" garments. One of the more recent fashions for our industry was the Canadian Goose winter parka jackets. Canadian Goose had used wild caught coyotes in the fur trim for their parka's hoods. This alone was driving single coyote pelt to sell for $120 at Fur Harvesters Auction. That fad has long past as the shareholders feel that using wild caught coyotes was inhumane. A prime western heavy coyote may bring $30 this year but expect less. On the flip side, the "hatter" market is doing better than in the past. From shows like Yellowstone and other western influences beaver pelts are in high demand and paying better than they have in recent years.
The hot topic of the fall being beaver has us water trappers in excitement. As mentioned above with being in a good hatter market, beavers will be bringing in a good price even with minor imperfections as the hide will be shaved down to felt. What will be highly sought after will be the bigger beavers as they have more area to work.
Beavers - $30 for all grades.
Beaver Castor - $35/lb -For best grades $50+/lb
Otter had sold at 75% at the May auction showing there is a demand, but not to say the same for Mink or Muskrat. Muskrat has gone "mainly unsold" and mink selling at 32%. If we can work though the millions of ranch mink in cold storage from previous years, then we might see a spike. Otter prices may shy as supply will most likely rise with the number of beaver trappers.
Otter - $20
Muskrat - $1.75-$2
Mink - $5
From raccoon being a staple in the fur industry the hide is now virtually worthless. Larger raccoons in northern areas will hold the most value besides that expect extremely low prices. On the other hand, with less badgers offered their price isn't going down. Skunks have a small market that continues to hold steady so I wouldn't expect much to change.
Raccoon - Northern $8 elsewhere, $3-$4.
Badger - $30+
Skunk $10-$15
Bobcats will hold their price steady as they vary by region the uniqueness of their pelt will increase their value. Foxes will remain the same and I don't see any reason for them dropping. As mentioned above the coyote market has crashed. Northern and Western will bring the best prices.
Bobcat - $100-$200
Red Fox - $10-$20
Coyote - $20-$30 (Eastern/Southern $10)
Fisher and Martin (Sable) prices are fair and there is demand. Although a martin is relatively smaller than a fisher their prices are very similar with fisher selling at 73% and Martin 100%.
Fisher - $40
Martin - $40
This is my prediction on what green hides will be worth this year at auction. These are an average of what prices I'm expecting to see from the Northern Midwest. Prices can vary on prime, minor cuts, size, color, etc. I have noticed a strong private trade market for garment tanned pelts. For a person willing to invest some extra money it has some pay out.
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