To put things bluntly, it’s going to be a really tough season for the fur market, and low prices will be the norm for most species. I hope I’m proven wrong, I really do. But in more than a decade of following the market and reporting on prices, I’ve never seen anything remotely like this. A seemingly endless global pandemic, supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty have dealt a pretty heavy blow to an already low market. When it will recover is anyone’s guess.
First let’s talk macro factors, then we’ll look into individual species.
The modern fur market is global. Unlike the historic market, where a great deal of domestic production was consumed in North America, today’s market relies on buyers in China, Greece, Italy, Russia and Korea. Unlike in the U.S., fur is fashionable in these places, and the economic well being of their consumers is critical in driving the market. China is the largest buyer. Since the pandemic began, China has pretty much been in full lockdown mode. Their disease prevention strategy has been effective, but it also ground the economy to a halt. People can’t get out to shops to buy fur coats and other garments. There’s also little reason to spend on fashionable clothing when folks aren’t going out and socializing like they once did. Although things began to recover, recent resurgence of the virus has required China to re-institute many of the lockdowns, keeping potential consumers at home.
Fur Harvesters Auction, Inc., the one remaining fur auction house in North America, had to resort to online-only fur sales all last year. Although they were able to move some fur, the results weren’t great. Whether that was due to the inability of buyers to physically inspect goods they were bidding on, or more a reflection of the lack of demand in the market, is hard to determine. Perhaps it was a little bit of both. Auction prices were disappointing throughout the year, although a good amount of inventory was finally cleared out, leaving some potential for increasing prices if demand recovers.
Another wrinkle brought on by the virus is the importation of raw skins into certain countries. China has banned import of all raw skins, meaning any fur sold must be sent somewhere to be dressed (tanned) and then imported into China. This extra step in the process adds cost, making it more difficult to sell fur at reasonable prices.
Groenewold Fur & Wool Company, the largest private buyer of wild fur in the U.S., has close connections with the fur market in China and monitors day to day sales of fur items in numerous Chinese shops. Groenewold regularly runs fur buying routes across the midwestern U.S. throughout the trapping season. For the first time in recent memory, they announced in early November 2021 that they would discontinue ALL fur buying routes until further notice, citing “difficult and uncertain market conditions”. In short, fur isn’t selling in China right now. At all.
You can’t talk wild fur prices without touching on ranch fur production (primarily mink and fox), since ranch fur accounts for the vast majority of all fur consumed in the world. The ranch mink market has changed considerably, with several years of depressed prices causing many farms to go out of business, thus reducing supply. The discovery of COVID-19 strains in several mink farms resulted in the forced culling and disposal of millions of pelts. This would all seem to be positive for wild fur, with a smaller number of mink on the market. The problem, though, is the millions of mink pelts that are sitting in storage waiting to be sold just haven’t cleared out yet. This oversupply will continue to weigh on prices until demand for fur recovers.
Oil prices have almost doubled recently, providing an economic boost to countries like Russia, whose citizens do consume a lot of fur. This hasn’t helped China, though, as they import most of their oil, and increased cost just drives up the cost of production in factories, eventually weighing down on economic growth. Oil prices have often been a good barometer for fur prices, but it’s unclear whether they’ll matter much in today’s fur market.
Fashion trends continue to drag on the fur market recently as well. Although fashion trends come and go and can’t be predicted with much reliability, the trend seems to be obvious. Despite all of the obvious benefits of fur – its incredible warmth and durability, sustainable management, environmental friendliness and biodegradability, and the necessity to harvest animals to manage healthy populations, the animal rights movement continues to influence the industry and fashion. Several fashion lines have announced they’ll discontinue using fur. Canada Goose – the largest buyer of coyote pelts and trendsetter in fur lined parka fashion, recently announced they’re going ‘fur free’. In addition, several cities in the U.S. have passed rules banning the sale of fur products, and some states are contemplating fur bans as well. It’s a crazy world out there. Just when we should be celebrating the benefits of wild fur, society seems to be running away from it.
Okay, enough of that. Given those overall trends, let’s talk about what to expect for prices for individual species.
Coyote – One of the sole bright spots in the market is probably in the process of fading. There are mixed opinions on the future of the coyote market, with some saying strong demand will continue, while others believe the fallout of Canada Goose leaving the market will have strong ripple effects. I’m personally of the opinion that prices will fade quickly without a major fashion buyer in the market. The copycats and knockoff coats are only good sellers when there’s a top of the line, fashionable coat to imitate. So in my mind, we may see some decent prices early on, but I wouldn’t expect it to last. Heavy western coyotes are the ones still in demand right now, and averages from $70-100 are possible this year, but I’m skeptical. I would sell early if I had a reasonable offer.
The hot western coyote market has done a lot to boost eastern coyote prices in recent years. When the best quality pelts sold out, buyers looked to the eastern and flatter skins to fill orders. That’s over. While Eastern coyotes were selling for $25-45 lately, I would expect those prices to be cut in half this year. Southern and lower quality coyote pelts may get $10-15.
Muskrat pelts have seen decent demand lately and are one of the only fur items that have actually increased in price over the past years. It’s unclear if it’ll last, but the low harvest of muskrat and a boost in demand is helping prices. They should average $3.50-4.00 conservatively, with potential averages to $5.00.
The market for raccoon pelts is terrible. A very abundant item with low demand and high processing costs has created a situation where it’s going to be difficult if not impossible to sell many raccoon skins at any price. The best quality pelts – the largest sizes that are fully prime and undamaged – will have demand and may sell for $10-15, but the rest may not sell at all, or if they do, average in the low single digits. There is a ton of supply backlog in this market. It’ll be a while before we see improvement.
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Beaver pelts are used in two very different markets. On the high end, plucked, sheared and dyed beaver garments command very high value, but are costly to produce and don’t find too many buyers. The best beaver pelts go to these markets as well as domestic niche markets for hats, mitts and blankets, and they sell for decent prices. On the low end, beaver pelts are ground and crushed into felt and used to make cowboy hats. Pelt quality isn’t a concern for the low end markets, any beaver pelt can be used, and they don’t pay well. Sadly, the high end market has shrunk enough that many of the better beavers have been selling for ‘hatter’ prices, and it appears that hatter demand is more easy to fill recently. If you have a top quality beaver pelt it’s possible to get $25 or more. But most beaver collections will probably average around $10 this year. Some will struggle to get this.
Beaver castor has commanded phenomenal prices recently – averaging around $100/lb, and with the lower beaver harvest resulting from poor fur markets, combined with steady demand, there’s no indication that this will change. Take advantage of this market while you can!
Despite their high quality and apparent utility, otter pelts haven’t commanded much in the market for years. They’ll probably continue to sell for $15-25.
Marten and Fisher are unique items with limited supply, and both cleared pretty well in the latest auction. Fur Harvesters is expecting increased demand and prices this season. That could mean $30 for Lower 48 marten and $60+ for Alaskan types. Marten prices vary substantially based on size, color and primeness. Fisher could average $30.
I see the bobcat market as similar to coyotes – the top end will do well, with a steep drop in price for the rest. The best western cats with top grade colors and spots should get at least $100, with some collections averaging $300-400. The rest will probably get $30-60.
Nobody seems interested in Red Fox or Greys. They’ll probably fetch around $10 on average.
Skunks will sell well – there always seems to be a specialty market for them – at about $5.
I hate to be so pessimistic on the fur market, and it’s been a tough couple of years reporting on these prices. So let’s look on the bright side. The low fur market may present some opportunities. I think we’re in the midst of some sort of shift in market structure, and the future fur market may look a lot different than it does today. It’ll require more effort on behalf of fur harvesters to produce products and market our goods directly to consumers. I don’t know what that’ll look like exactly, but these low price periods may be a good time to get a bunch of that fur tanned and try making and marketing your own products. Who knows what kind of opportunities you could create?
Related
FAQs
Last year prices for the very best raccoons, those from the West (Western heavies) averaged $14.74 in March 2022, and only $9.13 this year in 2023.
How much would each beaver pelt be worth today? ›
Top quality beaver pelts may bring in $25 or more, but you can also sell your lower-quality beaver pelts for the hat market. “Beaver pelts can be an exception because they can be ground up to be used as felt to make Stetson cowboy hats, so thick fur isn't required,” Wood says.
How much is otter fur worth in 2023? ›
Otter pelts are bringing about $30 on average, with size and color being a major factor.
How much are raccoon pelts worth today? ›
The best quality pelts – the largest sizes that are fully prime and undamaged – will have demand and may sell for $10-15, but the rest may not sell at all, or if they do, average in the low single digits. It would be wise to keep only the best of your raccoon catch for the fur market.
How much are beaver pelts worth in 2023? ›
Finished beaver saw an average of $14.22 with a high of $26.00. Otter for some reason, and always have at the MTA fur auctions, are always about the same price between finished and green pelts. They sold fairly well though with finished pelts averaging $30.05 and the green pelts averaging $30.88.
How much is possum fur worth? ›
Raw possum fibre that hasn't been treated is $130 NZ per kilogram paid to the gatherer. It takes between 10 to 20 possums to gather 1 kilogram of fibre depending on the season and food sources for the pest (often native bird eggs).
What is a coyote pelt worth today? ›
Heavy western coyote pelts are worth between $70 and $100. Eastern coyote pelts usually go for between $30 and $40. Southern coyote pelts and low-quality pelts are likely to be worth $10-15. Coyote pelts can be sold on e-commerce sites, to a local buyer, or at an auction.
How many beaver pelts for a gun? ›
Ten to twelve pelts could buy a long gun, while four pelts would purchase a pistol. The HBC produced brass Made Beaver tokens in the 1860s, and continued to exchange pelts for tokens until 1955.
What animal fur is worth the most? ›
Russian sable is still the most prized and expensive fur in the world for its legendary silky quality, rarity and light weight. A little sable jacket starts at about $16,000 and a top quality silvery coat can run upward of $150,000.
Are older fur coats worth anything? ›
If you have an old fur coat you haven't worn in years, consider selling it. Depending on the quality, age, fur type, and condition your coat can fetch you top dollar. But get a professional appraisal before you put a price tag on it.
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Even with its struggling economy Greece has consistently been one of the world's largest buyers of raw mink. Since 2010, imports of raw mink have more than doubled.
What was the most expensive fur in the fur trade? ›
Sable continues to be the world's most valuable fur. The most sought-after sable furs in the world come from the Barguzin region of Siberia.
What are possum skins worth? ›
"The highest I paid was $145/kg fully plucked, now it is about $90. "A lot of hunters are saying they prefer to hang on to the fur, hoping the price will improve.
What is a lynx pelt worth? ›
A full belly lynx coat can cost from $30,000 to $100,000. White lynx fur is the most expensive one and the coats made out of it are the rarest. Shop a range of vintage and designer fur coats on 1stDibs today.
How much does a red fox pelt sell for? ›
Better red foxes come from the East, and those averaged $15.95, with Western pelts fetching $11.99, on average. If you are trapping in the East, red foxes have now become your best-priced animal, ahead of coyotes, something we have not seen for a long time.
How much did a beaver pelt cost in the 1800? ›
Back in the day, the middle 1800s, a beaver pelt was worth two bucks to the trapper from the buyers at the Hudson Bay Company.
How many beaver pelts does it take to make a vest? ›
This Vest Uses 4 Beaver Pelts.
How many beaver pelts does it take to make a coat? ›
About 10 to 13 beaver pelts are used to make a knee-length coat.
How much can I sell a bobcat fur for? ›
A trapper carries bobcat pelts outside the Nevada Department of Wildlife. The finest quality pelts can fetch upwards of $1,000.
Is rabbit fur valuable? ›
Rabbit hair (also called rabbit fur, cony, coney, comb or lapin) is the fur of the common rabbit. It is most commonly used in the making of fur hats and coats, and is considered quite valuable today, although it was once a lower-priced commodity in the fur trade.
"Beaver fur was at one time extensively used in the manufacture of hats but has become so rare and valuable that it is now chiefly used for muffs, collars, and trimming.
How much is a muskrat pelt worth? ›
The average price paid for muskrat pelts was $4.25, an increase of 47% from the $3.20 paid in 1975-76. Other furbearers represented 23.6% of the total reported harvest (Table 2).
How much is a squirrel pelt worth? ›
Otter pelts fetch about $80 apiece. Squirrel pelts sell for much less. One fur-buying website says it will pay up to $6 for a complete squirrel skin in its winter coat for taxidermy purposes, as long as it has "no large holes, no head shots, may have up to two .
How much does beaver castor sell for? ›
Currently, beaver castor is a high-value byproduct, with Wilhite stating that “good” castor can sell for $60 to $70 per pound. As he indicated, this often is far more valuable than the pelts, themselves, in the current market climate.
What is the best gun to hunt beaver? ›
Any of the 6.5mm calibers like 6,5 Swedish Mauser or 6,5 Creedmoor are probably the best balance between fast, efficient knockdown and excess power. Even the venerable big-game caliber 30-06 Springfield or 308 Winchester are excellent choices, especially for bigger beavers.
What is the best beaver gun? ›
A Varmint Rifle is the ideal weapon for hunting beavers. Beaver scent glands, skin and fat can all be used for crafting."
How much was a beaver pelt worth in 1700? ›
(See Image 5.) Throughout the 18th century, the demand for beaver pelts continued to rise. As demand rose, so did the price which increased more than 300 per cent between 1700 and 1800. Using current values of the dollar, a single pelt was worth about $31 in 1700.
What animal is killed most for fur? ›
Mink abused for fur
The mink is probably the most famous of all fur animals. While the European mink is strictly protected, American minks are bred as fur animals or are caught directly in the wild with brutal traps.
What animal hides are the most expensive? ›
Crocodile leather is the most expensive in the world. It's the most sought-after luxury leather used by Italian tailors. Other expensive leathers often used by these same tailors include: Crocodile.
What animals where the most sought-after for their fur? ›
The top three most expensive and coveted furs around the globe are sable, lynx and chinchilla. Each of these furs possess characteristics that make them unique, extremely luxurious and highly sought-after.
As long as you purchase a good quality fur from a reputable furrier it should last more than long enough to justify the cost. Although the longevity of fur varies from one type to another, a good quality mink coat, with proper care (storage and cleaning every year) can last up to 20 years or more.
How much was a fur coat in the 80s? ›
During its peak, in the early 1980s, a mink coat typically cost $8,000 to $50,000 but could go above $400,000 for all-belly black Russian mink. Today it's a different story.
Do fur coats go bad? ›
Furs do not tolerate warm temperatures well, as the heat has a tendency to dry out the furs and leather. Moreover, direct exposure to sunlight can cause fading and the fur can become discolored. It is recommended to avoid storing in an attic or in the garage which can be hot, humid, cramped places.
What color of mink is most valuable? ›
The Color of the Mink
Blue Iris, brown and black tend to be the most desired colors and, therefore, the most expensive. Dark brown is sold less often and can be found with a smaller price tag. There are several other different colors that are not quite as popular and are easier to find as well as cheaper.
Are old mink coats worth anything? ›
The value of a vintage mink coat depends on a variety of factors, including the condition, size, brand and quality. A small mink coat could sell for under $300 while a top designer coat could sell for over $10,000.
Are fur coats still in style 2023? ›
Animal prints have been a popular trend in fashion for many years, and they are still going strong in 2023. Animal print fur coats, such as leopard or cheetah, add a touch of wildness to any outfit. They are perfect for those who want to make a statement and stand out in a crowd.
What was the most successful fur trading company? ›
In the late 1600's, Britain became a dominant force in the North American fur trade with the establishment of the Hudson's Bay Company, which would become one of the largest fur trading companies in the world. Founded in 1670, the Hudson's Bay Company became the largest fur trading company in North America.
What country buys the most furs? ›
China has been the world's largest importer of fur pelts and the largest exporter of finished fur products.
What is the oldest fur trade company? ›
The Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), chartered 2 May 1670, is the oldest incorporated joint-stock merchandising company in the English-speaking world. HBC was a fur trading business for most of its history, a past that is entwined with the colonization of British North America and the development of Canada.
What is the rarest possum? ›
Scientifically described in 1981, the world´s rarest species of opossum is Handley´s slender opossum (Marmosops handleyi). Categorized as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, it is known only from two specimens collected in a tiny area of rainforest in Antioquia, Colombia, at an altitude of 1,400 m (4,590 ft).
We purchase possum fibre and skins from independant hunters. At Basically Bush our primary focus is to support you the hunter. We believe that we are the only company that works actively to ensure that this industry is profitable for you the hunter.
What is possum skin used for? ›
Once an everyday item for Aboriginal people in south-eastern Australia, possum skin cloaks were worn for warmth, used as baby carriers, coverings at night, drums in ceremony and for burial. Worn from a young age, cloaks started out small with a few skins sewn together to wrap a baby.
What is the warmest fur pelt? ›
Here is a rating of the warmest furs (in descending order): Beaver, Arctic fox; Deer; Silver fox; Sheared sheepskin; Sable; Rabbit.
How much is weasel fur worth? ›
#1 Weasel Fur
| 1x | $29.95 /Each |
|---|
| 15x | $25.00 /Each |
Marten skins were used to make robes for wealthy Tlingit. During the fur trade, marten pelts became highly valuable trade items [32]. A taboo regarding martens required Ahtna hunters to keep the skins separate from all other dead animals until they were dried [5].
What is the rarest fox fur color? ›
Black. The rarest fox color is black. They are so rare that experts think they only make up 0.1% of the North American fox population. Black foxes are usually red fox species with a condition called melanistic coloring.
What is the rarest red fox? ›
SAVING THE SIERRA NEVADA RED FOX
Unfortunately, this unique animal is one of the rarest mammals in North America and is now limited to only two tiny California populations that likely consist of fewer than 50 — and possibly even fewer than 20 — individuals.
Are old fox furs worth anything? ›
Muff (Fox, Mink, Lamb): $40 – $350. A muff in good condition can go for strangely high prices. Other types of furs in coats, jackets and stoles will usually range from $50 to $300.
When were fur prices highest? ›
All furs were high in price during the Depression years, in contrast to most other commodities.
What animal has the most expensive pelt? ›
Characterized by their dense, velvety texture, chinchilla fur is one of the most expensive and luxurious of all fur types.
Most vintage furs are worth less than $750 US. This Worthpoint price list seems to be accurate. Here's a summary of the Worthpoint list, with some notes based on reviewing furs in 2023. Mouton Lamb coat or jacket: $50 – $350.
What animal was most sought after for the fur trade? ›
The fur trade was a vast commercial enterprise across the wild, forested expanse of what is now Canada. It was at its peak for nearly 250 years, from the early 17th to the mid-19th centuries. It was sustained primarily by the trapping of beavers to satisfy the European demand for felt hats.
What country buys the most fur coats? ›
Chinese consumers are the world's biggest buyers of fur, but some are beginning to ask questions and rethink their support of the trade, according to an exclusive Vogue Business survey.
What was the most popular fur in the fur trade? ›
The fur trade began in the 1500's as an exchange between Indians and Europeans. The Indians traded furs for such goods as tools and weapons. Beaver fur, which was used in Europe to make felt hats, became the most valuable of these furs.
What is the most luxurious fur? ›
The top three most expensive and coveted furs around the globe are sable, lynx and chinchilla. Each of these furs possess characteristics that make them unique, extremely luxurious and highly sought-after.
What animal has the thickest fur coat? ›
Sea otters have the thickest fur of any animal.
Their fur contains between 600,000 to 1,000,000 hair follicles per square inch. Unlike most other marine mammals, otters lack a blubber layer.
What is the best fur type? ›
Mink is one of the world's most popular fur choices with good reason. It's soft, plush, lightweight and durable, and comes in more natural colors than any other fur. These colors include pearls, blues, lavenders and browns, and the fur is short but very thick and strong.
Does anyone buy old furs? ›
If you are looking for a fur coat buyer you are in the right place. We buy many types of used or vintage furs including mink, fox, and lamb. The styles of furs we buy include coats, jackets, and shawls. We buy furs all over Long Island and Manhattan.
What is considered vintage fur? ›
“Real, natural fur coats are typically kept for 30 years or more, passed down as meaningful heirlooms from generation to generation or sold as vintage furs worn or repurposed,” says Kaplan. “Fake fur, on the other hand, is usually kept for six years or less.”
How to sell old furs? ›
You can use sites such as Craigslist, eBay, Cashforfurcoats.com, and Buymyfur.com. In order to sell your fur quickly, you might consider asking 10-20% less than what the coat was appraised for.
