Say I were new to trapping beavers and I didn't quite skin them perfectly. A few holes here and there.

I understand in the end they're sold by the pound anyway in 2020.

Question: That said, would it make more sense ($$) for me to sell them via the FHA auction OR.... sell these pelts to a buyer with an end-user customer already lined up (say Groenewold)?

Thanks.

Or cut them into strips for toilet paper.

Honestly, go with whatever costs less in shipping. I have been offered decent money in the past from buyers in the midwest but the shipping costs are so high it just didn't make sense. I'd probably go with FHA if all else is equal. Your pelts will be intersorted with 1000's of others and offered to buyers looking for just that thing.

Thanks

Local buyer won't take them unless they are put up. Honestly he really doesn't want them but will buy them just so people will keep coming back. Your call I guess.

They're all put up. Beaver boards, following Coon Creek Stu's videos, everything. Everything is normal except they had a few holes. Mostly I just stapled shut when drying. I don't think this is that abnormal right? Is everyone a perfect skinner?

You will make mistakes at first and in time you will not make them , That is how one learn .

Your first one or two can have holes. After that you really shouldn’t be making holes.

It depends on where the holes are if there will be much of a downgrade.Anywhere outside the square of fur inside the legholes will not matter much.Anything inside that will be downgraded.
Beaver often have scars and other damages that are not caused by the trapper.
Just put it up to the best of your ability.The more you do the less mistakes you'll make.
Also good large prime shearing beaver will be graded to a more stringent standard than smaller seconds that go to a different market.

You can sell green frozen to GFW. Check their website for instructions on how they want them done. They rough sort by size and pay accordingly. An extra hole is no big deal for use as hatters. They will also buy them put up but only a couple bucks more.

The damage will certainly come into play grading at an auction.

In my opinion GFW is the worst place to sell beaver. If you beaver trap you normally also sell Castor and they might buy it but not for any amount and they don't carry a scale. Also they don't pay very good on beaver since they only buy for hatter market. Auction or Barnes Fur and Hide will make you more money on both pelts and Castor. This is my personal experience. Others may have a different opinion and that is fine. Just trying to make sure all information possible is shared.

GFW is actively buying castor now. Don't know about pricing but probably competitive with everyone else.

Good beaver,FHA...hatters,GFW...castor, Don Wolf.(good weight and top $$).

They didn't have a scale with them when I went to sell to them. I knew how much I had because I weighed it but his offer was way lower than I was quoted by another buyer. I left with my Castor. They may have scales now but I have found a buyer for this year.

who is don wolf? and how does one get a hold of him. Oh and if you want to make money selling your beaver, my advice is to stay at home. HA! I usually trap till it closes (April 15) so I'm happy if I can get someone close to buy them.

Don is a fur/castor /root buyer. from Indiana.He is on this forum

GFW just started buying castor this year. my driver also didnt have a scale but did admit to not being properly set up yet. the offer for my castor was also pretty low so I kept it. Hoping they get their scales and prices together before their next tour

Btw, not mentioned, buy yourself a beaver skinning knife, they are very cheap and makes it very tough to put holes in them. I couldn’t believe the difference.

Interesting. Would you say the reduction in holes were from "no point" on the beaver-blade design? Or was it because of a particular knife-grind?

Don’t sweat it, everybody hits a thumb with a hammer. Take your lumps and be more careful.

Holes are often cut when learning the proper technique of cleanskinning.Everyone will cut a few holes while learning when where and how to make the push.Even an experienced skinner can make the odd hole if trying to go too fast.