If this tanning thing works out for me…is it possible/lawful to purchase a raw skin of a bigger animal to tan at home? Like a wolf or lion?? And where would I obtain one.
Or do you have to buy them already tanned. Not sure how the cites tags work and all that.

Cites tags are only on bobcat and otter that I know of.

I think fisher in our state too Bob but I don’t know about others

23.69 How can I trade internationally in fur skins and fur skin products of bobcat, river otter, Canada lynx, gray wolf, and brown bear harvested in the United States


§ 23.69 How can I trade internationally in fur skins and fur skin products of bobcat, river otter, Canada lynx, gray wolf, and brown bear harvested in the United States?
(a) U.S. and foreign general provisions. For purposes of this section, CITES furbearers means bobcat (Lynx rufus), river otter (Lontra canadensis), Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis), gray wolf (Canis lupus), and brown bear (Ursus arctos) harvested in the United States .

I can take brown bear here (hunting permit) but can't sell them raw. Other parts of Alaska allow for the selling of raw brown bear but only in Brown Bear Managment Units.

You can buy raw wolf from any Alaskan Trapper. (That can get one)

A taxidermist could probably answer this question really quick.

Fisher is not a CITES animal. However, many states with a fisher season require the pelt to be tagged for population studies.

Wolves, bears and mountain lions are all CITES animals. You can buy wolves and bears at FH but it is almost impossible to get them back across the border with special permits and a lot of hassle.

Black bears are hunted legally in idaho and you may be able find a hunter that would sell you a fresh hide. PM. Idahotrapguy and see if he can help you out or know some one that can.

Buying a raw wolf from some one in Alaska might be a good plan. Idaho trappers also sell raw wolves at their sales but you would need an idaho fur buyers license.

Maybe an Alaskan or Idaho wolf trapper might see this and help you out. Alaskan wolves will be better quality (as a general rule) but also more expensive.

Actually speaking of black bear, I was going to try for a spring bear this year for the meat, but I didn't have a plan for the hide yet. I could probably send it to you if you cover shipping.

I figured you have to have a fur buyers license to buy raw fur for any reason.

^^^should have asked wissMiss directly!!! Thank you!!
I’m not ready for such a big undertaking but I was just thinking!

That sounds very good and yes I surely would cover shipping.

In Alaska you only need a fur buyers license to resell fur. Buying it or selling it directly doesn't require one. Probably varies by state.

Was going to private message but your inbox is full. Anyways the bears aren't awake yet so it may be a month or two. If you see me posting about a bear hunt try to remind me then if you still want it.

FHF I will clean out my box and also send you a message soon so we can keep in contact. Thank you.

ADC - each state is different about what licenses you need. And also are you buying for yourself or to resell as a business.

In MOST cases if you are buying a raw pelt or two or three for your own personal use, no license is required. It is only if you are the “business” of buying (and selling) furs that you need a license, Plus buying and selling tanned pelts is different.

For example, if you are a hat maker and buy tanned pelts, then no license. If you buy raw pelts say from a trapper or a fur sale and then send them out to be tanned (or you tan them yourself). Then a fur buyers license is needed.

The state laws don’t always make that clarification but if you ask about you should be able to get a clarification.

Unless it is illegal in your state to possess wolves, bears or lions, there is nothing to prevent some one from GIVING you a hide/pelt.

Is there any kind of restriction on shipping raw pelts in the USA?

If you want the fur work it out with who ever you are getting it from. Tell them to put it in a box then buy the box and get the hide for nothing. Exceptions would be cities tagged critters.

Smash,
You're in one of the best bear states in the country. When you want one, get on FB and post ahead of the season I'm sure many successful hunters throw the hide away.

I guess I don’t think about bear in PA cause I never hunted them but that’s a good idea.
However, I don’t have a FB so I’d have to figure something else out

Thanks for the good tip!!

If you can get hold of him boco deals with bears