Results are in from yesterday's NAFA auction, the first major fur auction of the year, and an important indicator of future market conditions. Overall, prices were low and only the best items sold. Most sections of fur did not sell anywhere near 100%, and NAFA held on to a lot of fur in hopes of getting better prices for it in February's auction. Four species were offered … [Read more...]
Fur Industry Has Changed, But it Ain’t Dead!
There's no question that the fur market has changed considerably over the years. What once was an industry that many Americans made their living from (including trapping, pelt handling, tanning, coat manufacturing and more) has evolved into hobby with supplemental income for most, supporting only a few remaining full time trappers and fur handlers. The last great fur boom … [Read more...]
Maine Fur Auction Results
Below are the results of a fur auction held in York County, Maine last week. The sale was relatively small, but may give guys a bit of a clue about where fur prices are headed this season. These results and others are available on the Maine Trappers Association website. If you have any fur auction results from your area, feel free to post in the comments section … [Read more...]
Fur Market Update
Lots of people are still asking questions about the state of the fur market this year. The fact that the Trapper magazine and Fur-Fish-Game magazine each came out with polar opposite market reports this month further raises questions about the situation. F-F-G was quite optimistic, while the Trapper was extremely cautious and negative about wild fur prices this year, based on … [Read more...]
Fur Price Forecast: No One Really Knows!
It's a busy time of year. Hunting and trapping seasons are in full swing in most areas, and many of us are finding little time to get on the computer in between work and time chasing critters in God's great outdoors. One of the biggest things on many trappers' minds at the onset of this season is the price of furs. While many of us trap for fun, fur prices do play a huge … [Read more...]
Summer 2008 Fur Market Report
I'm a little late in reporting, but it's about time for another fur market update. The final wild fur sales at the major auction houses took place in May. Both NAFA and FHA reported excellent results, and it looks like the fur market is right on track for the upcoming trapping season. NAFA sold 100% of most items, many at stellar prices, and FHA reported that this was … [Read more...]
Successful March Auction Results in High Fur Prices
Results are in from the North American Fur Auctions' March sale, and fur prices have risen beyond the expectations of even the most enthusiastic forecasts. NAFA called their March sale "the best wild fur sale in recent memory". Many items reached new highs and experts are predicting that many of these prices will hold around current levels for the rest of the season. Big … [Read more...]
January Fur Auction Results Are In
North American Fur Auctions and Fur Harvesters Auctions both recently held their January sales, and with the exception of raccoon, fur prices are generally average to slightly below average. Raccoon was the only item that really looked good in both auctions, generally averaging over $20, and selling at around 100%. The supply of raccoons is short and demand is … [Read more...]