Cumberland’s Fur Market Report
Today's wild fur markets are beginning to show some positive signs, at least in some cases. We talk to trappers and fur buyers all over the country on a day-to-day basis, and there finally seems to be some cause for hope that the worst is behind us. This year's muskrat market is a sure sign of how fast things can change in our business. Before the season, there was some hope for rats as there was not much carry over, but prices on the carcass were still in the $1.50-$2.00 area. After a few weeks, prices had advanced a dollar or so. Prices kept creeping up until late season stretched and dried muskrats can now average $6.00 or more. Any time there is some demand for a fur, and the catch is low, there is the opportunity for prices to increase quickly. This year the catch is down for nearly every furbearer, so any demand from buyers can raise prices. The downside is that there is still a lot of some items left from last season, clearing these items will take time, but maybe by the opening of next season there will be reasons to be even more optimistic.
Muskrats- as stated the averages have gone over $6.00 in some cases for under ice, stretched rats
Raccoon- started slowly, a low catch has created small price increases. Most averages of stretched coon have been into the low teens for prime goods, early pelts are discounted
Beaver-may again be worth trapping, especially with the castor market being quite high. Southern Minnesota beaver may top out around $15.00, northern furs will bring more. Save the castor.
Wild mink- started low and have not really improved, averages in the single digits.
Red fox and coyotes are both cheap, especially coyotes. Any damaged or rubbed coyote is not worth skinning right now.
Bobcat- ran in the $40.00-$70.00 area
Otter- saw slight increases, up to around $30.00 tops
Fisher and marten- both saw slight increases, and moved in the $30.00-$35.00 area
Some trappers chose to sit out this season because of low price predictions, many of them will wish they had gone out trapping muskrats. My grandfather spent his whole life trapping and buying fur, trappers would always ask him before a season if it was going to be worth going out. He would always say that you can't sell what you don't have, in other words if you don't trap, a market increase does you no good. Next season, if you can get a little time, go enjoy yourself on the trap line, and see what the markets are doing when you are done. You may make a few dollars, but you will certainly have fun.
Jade Cumberland