The real issue long term is with that limited of a market and limited to only a few species the industry will shrink significantly and it will be like a cottage industry only the cottages are not in North America except for the very, very limited market for selling at small events etc. When the investors and the money seeks better looking opportunities that really limits the industry.
If the USA would sell even 1 million rats this season for say $4.50 each that is the equivalent of one 800 cow dairy farm in the USA in gross. That is not a lot of economic impact when we think about it. That is about 2,200 $2,000 stimulus checks. It can be amazing how small our wild fur industry can be or has become.
Bryce

The prices the last 4-5 years is insulting to the trapper, imo. If the manufactures think that's all they're worth, they can come catch them themselves.

You've missed the point completely. The manufacturers will use and pay for what is wanted by consumers and can be readily sold, not something that the wearer will be ostracized for having on their body. Women dress for approval, and whatever they think will make them look good. They aren't looking to be spray painted by (even though that never really happens) some idiot trying to display their moral superiority.

No, I missed nothing.

As you said, manufacturers use and pay for ...... Obviously as I said, they think this is all they're worth, so they can come catch them themselves if up to me.

Hippie, the problem is NOBODY wants the stuff. at least not for now. Why would they catch it for that reason?? Fur coats are now as popular as Beanie Babies at this time.

Why does anyone catch it for that?

That's my question as well. But obviously for the outdoor experience and love of the lifestyle. Not all trappers do it just for the money.

The fur buyers dream.

No successful fur trapper does it JUST for the money. Even in a good market anyone that has the work ethic and savvy to make it trapping could make more money elsewhere. No accident that most successful trappers are also successfully self employed in other venues. Love of trapping is the common denominator.

ttt let's get back to........ What prices are being offered and paid today?? Montana trappers had several road buyers come through recently, any input available?

...not even close fur buyer have nowhere to go with it either....it easier to make money on an up year both buyer and seller

....35 tops on coyote and rats are selling 5 and down

$35 tops on a Montana pale coyote? Highline coyotes are top of the line in Montana, right? Or is this for Idaho coyotes?

Heres you chance to live the dream! Gas up your rig and get to buying.

Yep, Like Marty's obscene profits?

Absolutely. Fur buyers need volume margins to do well. Not happening this year....and then likely to catch grief from wild fur producers to boot.

He is from ID, good Highline coyotes don't run to the boarder, much less into Idaho. Idaho coyotes don't compare to high line coyotes. Here is a pile of highline coyotes and fox bought in Malta MT at a sale by Pacific Hide and fur, when I worked there.

thats for heavy pale coyotes......those highline coyotes will be alittle better but not much. they are a nice coyote!

that photo looks like the 80s mjm.....used to deal with pacific out of pocatello back then...great guys!!!

I worked in Gt Falls and Spokane for Pacific and Idaho coyote are second place all the way. I have looked at 1000's of them from both places. The picture was in the early 80's Judkins and I went to that Malta sale and I stuffed all those coyotes and fox into Bob Youngs PU with a topper on it. It was close to full. But it had a eight foot box. Ask Don if you see him. He will remember it.