genetics is all over the board because of the re-introductions in pockets across southern Manitoba with low numbers, and yes all types
above the 53 // more stable darks

Thanks North!

Marten are not trap shy,kind of fearless,not hard to catch.
Catching large numbers of them takes some traversing of fairly vast areas of wild country in fairly extreme conditions.

I can imagine that a lot more effort will go into next winters effort. Hopefully we've only just begun to see the rise in luxury fur.

My marten will grade 70 to 80 pale, extra pale Going back 30 years. This year not one graded pale extra pale? Sometimes you wonder?

Hey MM,
The usual mishmash here, but definitely trended mainly towards Xtra Darks and Darks here this year, with very few pales or extra pales mixed in. I didn't really see the price difference on my grade sheet mentioned by FHA for a premium for pales, so I guess I must not have had any of the proper lots of pales or Xtra pales to notice that discrepancy? I know I had some in the top lots, as several lots achieved that $310. I'm not going to complain, good prices on everything, so I'm currently boxing up another batch for the June FHA Auction. I'm really happy they have finally gotten their rear in gear, and are doing a great job finding and establishing a market/ buyers for us all again. Still a ways to go on some species (otters), but a very impressive sale on marten/ mink, not to mention cats, etc.... It looks like the wild fur trade in North America is maybe getting some footing back again finally??? Here is hoping we can all keep it on the right track for awhile, and keep FHA booming, along with our other various fur buyers, outlets, and auctions/ sales!!!

To the original question from beaverpeeler, both the Eastern and Western Interior of Alaska usually have a fairly high percentage of pale marten in the catch. From what Dirt always says, I guess the Armpit trends that way too.... back when I was trapping 150-160 miles SW of Dirt, we got some pale marten, but always had a fair percentage of the darker ones too.......
Like I mentioned to mad mike, I didn't note the premium paid for pales that FHA mentioned in their report, on the batch I had on this sale. It didn't seem to hold true on my grades?