2017-2018 fur prices

[Blue]

Does anyone know what the price on pelts this season will be?

[UrbanTrapper]

We can only guess at what prices pelts might bring at the auctions.

[Humptulips]

 

But we can make some guesses.
First off I'll guess prices will suck across the board.
I have been watching what NAFA and Groenwold have been reporting from marketing trips.
Beaver are likely to all be saleable but just as hatters. That likely translates into a somewhat more then $10 average. I'll say $12 to $14 average.
Otter are going to remain subpar. If you ship I bet you will likely not average more the $30. My advice sell local. There are a couple people that use them locally and you can get a premium locally. The Platonis last year paid me $40 average while the NAFA average was around $25.
Rats I have heard may pick up a bit but not a lot. I think it is wishful thinking to expect them to go over a $4 average. Even that may not happen and they could remain below $3.
Mink will remain low. I cannot see trapping them for single digit prices.
The country is awash with raccoon. hardly saleable IMO. I bet less then $5
Good E WA cats, even not so good ones are probably worth something. Wild guess but I bet tops of no more than $300 with good darker ones more like $100.
W WA cats, the very best might test the $100 price range but most will be below $50. The coastal cats barely saleable.
I will add if there is anything I am apt to be wrong on it is cats.
We all hear about $100+ coyotes but those are not WA coyotes. Maybe if you live north of !-90 on the eastern side you will get some heavies that might bring a $100 but for the most of us though it will be semis and you can hope for half of that.
Striped skunks, I bet the juice is worth more then the hide but maybe $5 while the Spotted should bring $10. If you can find a place to sell them tanned for wall hangers you might do well
Nutria, it will cost as much to ship them to where you can sell them as you will get for them.
Did I leave something out? Badger and Marten I know nothing about.
Maybe I am  full of it and so far off you'll say I am stupid. Could be! I would be very very happy if you told me why I am lowballing some type fur.
You can take what I say for what it is worth which is not much. It is a long time until the Spring sales and a lot can change.

[Trapper John]

Well we all can expect prices to be about the same as the end of last seasons prices.
I think Bruce is close to what you can expect this coming season......no shocker here.
If your a new trapper to this industry than this is the best time for you to learn.
Its easier to sallow a $3.00 damage muskrat than a $20.00 muskrat!

but here is what I will say.  Trap only "Prime" Fur.
DO NOT go out early.
Trap only prime fur so you can get the most out of your catch.
If you are trapping nuisance animals such as raccoons or beaver and getting paid for them, than your ahead of the game.
If you put this fur up and only get a little $$.$$ for it, your still ahead.
Until the target animals you are after prime up, sit back and wait.
JC