The Hudson's Bay Company is, undoubtedly, the most historic and influential company in the history of the fur trade. Through the remarkable effort of a few dedicated folks, a historic film of some of the Company's history in Canada is being resurrected. Here's some background from the folks at Return of the Far Fur Country. In 1919, the Hudson’s Bay Company was approaching … [Read more...]
Archives for January 2012
North Dakota Trapper Targets Muskrats
Muskrat trapping is a lot of fun. And it's becoming more rewarding with increasing pelt prices over the past couple of years. But for most trappers, the experience trumps the financial considerations of trapping. Nat Bornsen is a North Dakota trapper who targets muskrats. Click here to read Nat's story. … [Read more...]
Fox Fur Prices May Encourage NWT Trappers
Recent record-high prices for fox pelts may cause more trappers in Northwest Territories (Canada) and beyond to target fox in their operations. Here's an excerpt from a CTV News article that reports on the high prices: The Northwest Territories government is hoping record prices for fox fur pelts will encourage northern trappers to target the critters and keep a check on the … [Read more...]
Fur Market Article from NAFA
Fur pelts command record-high prices, The Star Article John Goddard-Business Reporter Fur prices continue to hit last year’s record-high prices at this season’s first European auctions — good news for Canadian trappers, mink farmers and fur-clothing manufacturers. “The number of customers exceeded all expectations,” the world’s biggest fur auction house Kopenhagen … [Read more...]
Early 2012 Fur Market Report
Two recent fur sales gave us a great indicator of what to expect for fur prices in 2012. On January 7th, Fur Harvesters Auction Inc. held its first fur sale of the year. The sale went extremely well, with high averages for most species. Click here to read the FHA auction report. Here's a recap of the prices: Fur Harvesters Auction, Inc. January 7, 2012 fur sale … [Read more...]
Trapping Today News Roundup: 1/8/2012
With plenty of trapping-related stories in the news lately, I thought I'd take the opportunity to give you a sample of what's out there. You can click on the links below to read these news stories. River Otters Returning to northwest Ohio - For the first time in over 100 years, wildlife officials have confirmed a river otter in Putnam County, Ohio. The recovery and … [Read more...]
Minnesota Ponders Wolf Hunting, Trapping Seasons
After a successful recovery of the gray wolf population in the Great Lakes area, wolves have been removed from the Endangered Species List by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. With delisting, management of the wolf population becomes the responsibility of each state's fish and wildlife department. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is considering opening a wolf … [Read more...]
Market for Muskrats Gains Attention
The Wall Street Journal just posted an interesting article on the recent rise in demand and prices for muskrat furs. They took the time to interview several trappers and relay their thoughts on the muskrat market, as well as the fur market in general. The North American muskrat market has been booming, thanks to soaring purchases by Chinese and other newly rich nations that … [Read more...]