"North Bay for decades has been considered the source of the finest beaver collection in the world and it was at
our March 2023 auction that the beaver market spiked. We were able to maintain that level for two full seasons,
aware that the majority of the entire collection was being used by a handful of companies in the felting
business. There is a tipping point for everything and when production levels exceed manufacturing demands
things start to fall away. We continue to sell the better goods into the garment market but at this time the
felting people have enough inventory. We protected the best beaver which the garment trade uses knowing
that these have better value than what the felt trade use. The beaver market going into next season should
remain good as in six months from now the purchased 2024 stock will have been put into production."

Mark, June 2024

So....March 2027 will we see $40 GD DMG blankets.....or $16....or no takers at all? FHA usually has a handle on what the near future looks like but they were sure wrong last year.

" There is a tipping point for everything and when production levels exceed manufacturing demands
things start to fall away."


I think what happens is if the felt buyers don't fill orders on the better beaver, they pay more for Section III? Most of the garment demand is filled with best beaver. These felt buyers could already have purchased from furbuyers before they even attend an Auction or won't then attend.

One always wonders how much of an effect the Groenwold machine has on filling that niche. If Groeny didn't have enough to supply the demand good things happen at FHA?

I agree

I thought I heard last year that GFW was making beaver felt.

He was making coats with a coyote ruffed hood at one time too. He got rid of the coyotes he was going to corner the market with. Does he have coats listed on his site any more? I am guessing not. Some thought he was a hero making those coats, I thought he was trying to dig out of a hole. The beaver market may be better off if he isn't making felt. Look at the price of heavy coyotes now.

Yes, Still trying to peddle those coats.

I did not see the coats at his booth at the NYSTA Convention.

I made some beaver felt today.
I brushed out 3 nuisance beavers and the brush was packed with cowboy hat material.

So Boco, what do your compadres at FHA say about this last resurgence for the section III beaver; was it garment makers or felters that bought them?

I dont know just know there was lots of competition for beaver at the auction.
I will ask next time Im in North Bay probably for the convention in Jan.

When is the convention? I'm considering making the trip.

I havent checked the dates BP but it should be on their web site.
Hope you can make it BP would be great to meet you.
Last year I met the CDN Longliner (Gary G.) all the way from Alberta at the convention.
Great trapper to chat with.

January is an interesting time to have a Trappers convention.

It was always held in winter back in the OTA days,Then later it went to April.
I much prefer the convention in winter.Just seems more relevant and the fur for the demos and competitions is top notch.
Come on over Dirt and we can talk about bravos and capitalism over a tumbler of Whiskey.

You know what I'm doing in January? Running a trapline.

Your traps will still be working for you when you are away,like mine.
Spend some of that Govt gravy you get every year over there.

FHA convention is January 8-9 2027