Pelt Handling
Fur Harvesters Auction has a saying: You can't turn a $10 pelt into a $100 pelt, but you can easily turn a $100 pelt into a $10 pelt. Learning to care for fur from the beginning of the fur harvesting process can make a big difference in success and profits. Fortunately, some of the larger fur auction houses offer fur handling manuals.
An important factor for optimizing fur value is to harvest furbearers when the fur is prime, meaning that the coat is full, soft, and dense. This generally happens mid-winter and varies somewhat by species and location. The trapping season in Louisiana extends beyond the prime period, so Louisiana trappers should consider utilizing a shorter season to optimize profits. Coastal Louisiana furs should be collected after December 1st. Louisiana Furs Raccoon: Nov. 25 - Jan. 10; best colors and less damage Beaver : Nov. 20 - Feb. 20 Otter: Nov. 25 - Feb. 15 Muskrat: Dec.1 -Feb. 20 Bobcat: Dec. 1 -Feb. 20 Grey Fox: Dec.1 - Feb. 20 Mink: Nov.25 - Jan 10; silky & good colors |
