Montana Auction Results Pattern Poor Fur Market
March 21, 2009
The Montana Trappers Association held a fur auction last Sunday in Columbus, MT, which was well attended by trappers from throughout the state and beyond. Unlike the January auction, the building was full of fur this time around.
Unfortunately for trappers, however, fur buyers were not out in full force for the auction. Only three major buyers were present, and it was obvious that they did not have many orders to fill. Fur prices were much lower than they were at this time last year. The summary below shows the official results of the auction.
| Western States Fur Auction | ||
| 15-Mar-09 | ||
| Badger Consigned | No Sales | Average |
| 88 | 29 | $23.47 |
| Beaver Consigned | ||
| 304 | 9 | $12.12 |
| Bobcat Consigned | ||
| 309 | 86 | $165.94 |
| Coyote Consigned | ||
| 666 | 71 | $10.43 |
| Red Fox Consigned | ||
| 179 | 16 | $15.71 |
| Grey Fox Consigned | ||
| 9 | 0 | $13.88 |
| Martin Consigned | ||
| 167 | 26 | $15.64 |
| Mink Consigned | ||
| 16 | 0 | $4.59 |
| Muskrat Consigned | ||
| 309 | 0 | $2.69 |
| Otter Consigned | ||
| 3 | 0 | $35.00 |
| Porky Hair | ||
| 13.75 Oz. | 0 | $4.55 oz. |
| Raccoon | ||
| 378 | 69 | $7.32 |
| Skunk | ||
| 27 | 6 | $2.98 |
| Weasel | ||
| 10 | 0 | $2.70 |
| Deer Hides | $1.00 | |
Buyers grading fur
Despite the low prices overall, some good looking fur sold at elevated levels. Heavy furred badgers, especially those with feet on, did really well (some over $50). Skunks sold at decent levels, particularly those with wide stripes. Red fox was a pleasant surprise, with many lots hitting $20+ on average. Muskrats also sold well, averaging $2.69.
A sampling of fur offered at the sale
Coyote and coon prices were pretty pathetic. Perhaps the news that NAFA plans to dump coyotes and coons with no limits in the next auction hurt the market for these.
There were a large number of ‘no sales’, particularly on bobcats. The majority of the 329 lots of fur did sell, though.
Marten sold at very low levels. Beaver also sold poorly, but not many were offered. A large number of coyote lots averaged under $10. Very few coons hit a $10 average, and lots of bobcats sold for less than $100.
Word from other fur sales in the area confirmed the new low price levels. Until the global economy begins to grow rapidly again, we can likely expect these low prices to continue.
Montana’s January Fur Auction Slow, but Things Should Pick Up
January 18, 2009
Montana Trappers Association Rendezvous
September 26, 2008
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