What is the best way to clean up claws, such as badger, and porcupine, for resale? I see various bags of claws every year at the colorado fur auction, and thought I might try to clean some up for the craft buyers who attend the sale.

Thanks!

Make sure you leave the bone in the claw. It is easy to slip the outer sheath of the claw off but then you have lowered the value considerably.

While the claw is moist/damp, take a small knife and clean off all the tissues around the claw. Then let it dry. And that is it - readyto sell.

Like anything, there is a learning curve involved. The first 50 or so claws will be tedious but once you work out a system/technique, it will go faster. Cleaning claws is a good winter project - after trapping season is closed or you are snowed in. Most trappers that clean claws cut the feet off as they skin and throw them in the freezer to be worked on later.

Thanks for the info wissmiss, much obliged. What claws have the most demand in the craft trade? Could you please discuss the claw market a bit if you have the time. Trying to get the most out of my catches.

Thanks

Among all animals with claws, grizzley bear are the most valuable. Some griz claws are worth $100.00 or more.

When it comes to fur bearers, the rarer the animal, the more valuable the claw. So wolverine would be the most valueable. iMO.

Other furbearer claws with higher value would be Wolf and badger ( fronts only).

When you get to the other furbearers - there is a market for all of their claws. Even mink and muskrat. The question is, is it worth your time to properly process them to make it worth your while. Some of the more common claws are only worth a nickel each to a dealer. More valueable if you sell to an individual that uses them directly.

When you consider there are tens of thousands of coyote and fox harvested each year, the number of claws potentially available far out weighs the demand for them.

If you are interested in maximizing the value of the animals you take, Check out this web site to see everything they buy.

www.furbuyer.com

Thanks for sharing. I had no idea there was a market for claws.

There is a market for a lot of things that folks don't think about having value. Some places even buy owl pellets....

The key is to figure out where these markets are and then supply the product in good saleable condition before any one else.

wissmiss,
Interesting site... I understand the taxidermy market- there is some exotic stuff on that website, what is the final marketplace? Asian market?

The final market for everything they buy is in the US. Lots of different end users.

Jewelry makers
Small furriers
Nature centers
Schools and universities
Government organizations
Native Americans
Collectors
Researchers
Home decorators
plus others

Lots of niche markets that have been developed over 45 years of being in business.

I'll have to study the laws to see what I can send them. That site is amazing. Heck, they'll even buy some carcass animals in the round (& pay shipping).

The thing to consider Is will they buy the whole foot versus you doing the work on each claw. It might not be worth your time depending on the price difference.

I don't picture you selling the feet Beav.
Maybe you could work on the claws while listening to the Packer game ,lol

LOL

With the time It takes to work each and every claw there Is no way the beav Is going to sell individual cleaned claws.
And the Packers suck. LOL

Wiss, for the people that have wolverines...would it be more profitable to sell hides with the feet on or sell the hides and claws separate?

Claws on

On thing to remember about these "niche" markets, when shipping to buyers packing and how you handle goods is key to a good repour. Misrepresentation or smelly boxes and your out of business.

The amount of misc. animal parts we run through the Colorado sale is mind blowing. Sometimes it's great others not so much.

I suppose. I was wondering how that worked, because their website says they'll buy certain beavers. I was thinking, "without seeing it, how would they be comfortable buying it?" I suppose it's kind of like you say...send something in they aren't impressed with and ya probably go on their "Do not buy from" list.