March fur sales results

The results are in!

From Mark Downey, CEO Fur Handlers Auction Inc:

Fur Harvesters Auction's March 11, 2009 wild fur sale held in
Seattle drew a large crowd of international buyers. Results on sable
realized significant increases on northern goods for larger sizes compared
to recent sales. Smaller eastern sables sold at recent market levels. The
demand for wild fur remains positive but the global financial crisis has
placed all buyers and manufacturers on cautious footing. We sold at levels
previously set and held the line on what we felt were reasonable values on
all wild goods. To sell at any level is not our policy as this is not in the
best interest of our shippers and buyers, and is considered irresponsible as
this would only further shatter the confidence of our industry. Our sale
reflects what we believe is a responsible position that protects the value
of the wild fur product. As confidence returns, prices and clearances will
move forward.
We thank the trade and our valued shippers for their unwavering support
during these difficult times.

There ya have it. I'm glad FHA isn't panicking and trying ta sell for anything they could get. The people runnin FHA are also trappers, and know the blood, sweat, and tears we put into our fur harvest.

Coon prices did pretty good for those 20% that sold. Muskrat caught my eye, 85% clearance and a $4.18 (usd) average...not bad! I'll be patchin my waders for the spring!

Mixed results at NAFA's February fur sale...

Some good, some bad results, mainly due to the strong Chinese market and the weakness of the current Russian market.

Good times if yer trappin otter, not so good if yer a coon trapper. I notice the muskrats sold 100%, with almost a $4 average...get out there this spring! Least someones buyin fur...

Fur Market moves forward cautiously...

According to Fur Harvesters Auction:


FHA held its first sale of the season on January 9th offering a fresh collection of all items with the exception of sable, lynx and cats. Our attendance mirrored that of last January and although buyers were cautious, support from all buyers in attendance was witnessed.

Considering the economic conditions around the world we were pleased with the prices realized and clearances above our expectations. Raccoon however remains mainly unsold as the trade continues to struggle with the high priced inventories of last season. We held to what we felt was reasonable levels and we are hoping this position allows those holding inventory, time to move their goods before our March auction in Seattle.

The climate in the fur consuming nations of China and Russia is now reflective of winter and coat sales are now moving. We are optimistic that prices will rise as the season progresses.

As always, we thank you for entrusting us with the marketing of your product.


Mark Downey
Fur Harvesters Auction Inc

Fur prices not lookin good...

When ya see articles like this in the city papers:

Animal trappers can't hide from global downturn

Wow. And this was supposed ta be a record year for fur prices! I'm keepin my fingers crossed, though. I think it has more to do with the warm fall in Russia than the economy. In the great depression, fur prices were sky high. Men would leave work crews ta follow fisher tracks in the snow. A fisher pelt would bring in 2 months wages back then. Kinda funny, prices were almost exactly what they are now. Wish the same could be said fer fuel...

Deadly carnivore in the woods!

No, not him...



Me!!!



First fisher of the year!

I love these things. Not only are the pelts valuable, but they are easy to skin n flesh. I like the smell, too. Kinda like skunk (their cousin), but sweeter...

Skunked!

Now, not what you think! Got a call this morning from a guy in town. Seems he trapped a skunk in a live trap and wanted me to come down and remove it (my reputation precedes me...).

No problem I sez! Easy money! See, I've got the skunk handling down to a science: I quietly approach the trap holding a blanket high up in front of me. Pepe can't see me....just a wall approaching him. When I get to the trap, I slowly lower the blanket on top of the trap. When the blankets covering the trap you can lift it no problems.

Well, I should have known something was going wrong when the wind started blowing the blanket like crazy. The critter started gettin real agitated, stamping his feet and such, but I wasn't too worried, the cage was too small for him to turn and lift his tail. Then it happened. From the corner of my eye i see the yellowish stream of liquid shootin up. Wind catches it and, well, I guess I'm sleepin outside tonight!

By the way, a good wash for skunk essence is: green dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda. Get it into a good lather, and rinse it off. Works pretty good. Well, good enough to be allowed in the house, anyways!