Fur Harvesters Auction Inc. opened the 2008 wild fur season with a strong attendance of international buyers. Raccoon sold 10-15% higher over last years levels on the larger sizes. This season’s harvest will be short over last year, and much of the buying community is concerned with production and price levels. Retailers overseas had an increase in sales over last season; much of this is due to colder temperatures and restructuring prices on last year’s inventory. Fisher and raccoon sold well with the better quality goods selling higher than last year. February should show increase price levels, due to lower than normal production on most articles.

A small assortment of held over smaller sized sables were offered and sold well with good interest. An early assortment of fisher sold very strongly at a high of $106.00 for males and a high of $98.00 for females. Beaver prices remained at May’s levels and low production is being viewed as a real concern to buyers who now realize that prices on this very important item need improvement in order to boost production. Castoreum is selling very well. A fresh collection of muskrats cleared at new levels with 85% being sold at a high of $7.70, up from last spring’s levels. Western Canadian Coyotes sold under keen competition with a high of $50.00, 1st section at an average of $35.25, and easterns also sold well with a top of $38.00 and an average of $30.76. The situation with otter remains the same as last season with little interest in this article.