The Colorado Trappers and Predator Hunters Association held its annual fur auction recently, and moved a LOT of fur. This auction has become very popular and has grown immensely. Its proximity to high quality coyotes and bobcats, as well as excellent promotion and execution of the auction by key Association members, has made this sale a huge success despite a tough fur market. Here are some results:
Coyotes were the highlight of the sale, with over 4,000 sold at an average of $52.70. These numbers varied widely depending on which region the coyotes came from – furs were shipped in from a number of different states. Here are some coyote averages broken down by state: Colorado $59.08, Idaho $48.78, Illinois $34.39, Indiana $19.83, Kansas $46.83, Michigan $11.52, Montana $70.39, Nebraska $30.49, New Mexico $49.48, Nevada $47.97.
Bobcats were another big draw at the sale, and came in from all over. Prices ranged widely depending on fur quality. The spread between high and low prices for bobcats has widened recently with the softening market. The very high quality cats are still doing well (the high sold for $720), but buyers are being very choosy, even for different quality Western cats. Western bobcats averaged $189.66 overall, and Eastern bobcats went for $33.45.
Beaver averaged $13.22, which is on par with recent auction results in other places.
Raccoon averaged $6.80.
Grey Fox sold for $13.66.
Red Fox averaged $15.24.
Only a few marten were at the sale, and went for around $32.
A small offering of mink sold for just over $6, and otter went for $38.
Skunks did well, as a lot of niche buyers and crafters were there, resulting in an average of $10.41.
Overall, the Colorado sale appears to have been a success despite the low fur market. As always, getting a large number of buyers competing for fur at the same time is a great way to get at the true value of fur in the market.
Stay tuned for the big NAFA auction coming up in late February.
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