This fall, cautious optimism is the key phrase when talking about the fur market. Discussion has surrounded the increase in demand and recovering Chinese and Russian markets, but there seem to be more questions than answers. After looking over fur market reports from the major players, I’ve put together a quick summary of what we might expect to see for fur prices this year. I’ve also provided links to the different fur market reports so that you can read them for yourself.
Overall feelings about the fur market tend to be a mixture of uncertainty and positive expectations. No one is really negative about the market, which is surprising considering how poorly things finished up last season. Among the uncertainty is a glimmer of hope that increasing demand will drive higher prices. So we’re probably looking at two possibilities: 1) the fur market stays the same as last year and prices continue to stay low, or 2) the recovering world economy drives more demand and prices climb. While uncertainty abounds, nobody is expecting the market to drop substantially.
Here are some predictions for several species:
Muskrat – Expect excellent demand for muskrat early in the season. This item sold out last year and should sell at good prices early. Prices of $5-8 could be expected. Demand could soften later in the year so folks are advising that you sell your muskrats early. This could be one of the few real bright spots in this year’s fur market.
Mink – Ranch mink has been selling really well lately, with high demand and solid prices. This is expected to help the wild mink market and good prices are expected. Prices should be on par with last year, maybe higher.
Beaver – This item sold pretty poorly last year, and unfortunately, expectations for this year aren’t any better. There are lots of holdover beaver pelts that went unsold, and demand is not expected to increase. It may be smart to spend less time trapping beaver this year, or hold on to your furs until demand comes back.
Raccoon – Prices for the larger and heavy raccoon skins should be okay, and $8-10, perhaps upwards of $20, can be expected for these. However, the smaller and flatter coon skins will be almost worthless. The raccoon market has fluctuated substantially over the years, and a cold winter combined with increased Russian buying power could help things. Demand is expected to pick up later in the season if the remaining unsold goods are cleared.
Otter – The slow recovery of the otter market after the crash several years ago is expected to continue, but it will be slow. Expect some advances, with prices of $25-45, and prices greater than $50 for some skins.
Coyote – Not all of last year’s coyotes at the auction houses sold. Unfortunately, the unsold goods were the semi-heavies and lower grades. These goods will not sell well this year. The big, heavy prairie coyotes sold out last year and should do well, with prices upwards of $30 or better.
Red Fox – Prices of ranch fox have been advancing, and wild red fox is expected to sell well. $15-30 may be expected for better goods.
Bobcat/Lynx – Increased demand for bobcats is expected this year, which should result in higher prices. Similar to last year, well spotted western bobcats could average over $300 in some situations.
Marten – While many of the larger Canadian and Alaskan marten did not sell last year, increased demand is expected and prices should be okay.
Fisher – Increased demand should drive higher prices for this item.
Grey Fox – This item continues to struggle. None of the experts see a recovery in grey fox prices anytime soon.
As you can see, this year’s fur market forecast includes a huge variation in prices among different species, and lots of uncertainty. As usual, time will tell. The North American Fur Auctions and Fur Harvesters Auction February auctions should give us a much better idea of where the market stands. You can learn more by reading the full reports from these organizations below:
FHA 2010/2011 Wild Fur Forecast
You can also read market reports from Trapper and Predator Caller magazine and Fur-Fish-Game.
where the best place to sale your skins?
depends on what your selling and how much you want taken out of your pocket. i have a traveling fur buyer that comes threw town about once a year i sell to him right now but am constantly looking for anyone who will give me a better price