Surviving a Fur Market Crash

So much for $40 raccoons and an improving fur market.

The recent economic downturn turned recession signaled by the tumultuous ride on Wall Street has sent fur buyers into hiding. Those who are answering the shop door and running fur collection routes have become super stingy.

Recent reports of $5 to $7 averages on skinned raccoons from places with traditionally excellent fur such as Iowa and Wisconsin have dampened the spirits of many trappers and fur hunters.

Unfortunately, early coyote fur prices seem equally grim, that is for those who are offered anything at all.

In what is now a global economy, Russia and China are also experiencing economic struggles. Russia has fallen on hard times because it relies heavily on the export of crude oil, and oil prices have dropped like a rock since the stock market went into a seeming freefall last month. Russian consumers take the bulk of North America’s raccoon pelts, while a lot of the coyotes end up as trim on garments worn by Chinese folks.

The good news: Just like the recession, eventually, the market will improve. We all hope that happens sooner rather than later. The silver lining is that gasoline prices have fallen dramatically, making predator calling excursions much more affordable.

So don’t fret about fur prices. Go call ‘em in!