Higher fur prices have rekindled an interest in the art of fur trapping.
Many major cities across America can trace their roots back to fur traders of the mid-1600s. Early settlers set up trading posts to sell and barter furs.
Around 1670 the Hudson Bay Company was formed exclusively for the furrier trade. Outposts were established near river systems for the ease of transport of furs and supplies.
Beavers were the top-selling pelts of the day. Europeans preferred their hats made from the soft, warm fur of American beavers. Native Americans and settlers in the new land would barter and trade for pots, tools, and even food. Beaver pelts became the standard for pricing among fur traders.
As other materials became available for hats, coats, and other specialty clothing, the market for furs declined. There has been some controversy about the use of fur in modern times. However, the foreign fur market has seen a dramatic increase in demand for quality pelts.
Russia, China, and South Korea have created a strong demand for fur. Some fur traders state fur prices are the highest they have been in 30 years.
Foxes are cautious but can be successfully trapped. Photo by Charles Johnson
Alabama Fur Trapping
Fur trapping in Alabama is regaining strength again. With the demand for fur increasing, fur trapping across the U.S. is seeing increased interest. The higher fur prices make it worth the time and effort to trap and sell pelts.
While fur hides from the Southeast are not as desirable as in the northern and eastern sections of the country, Alabama trappers are back setting lines.
“I have been trapping from around five years,” mentions Andy Barker of Munford, AL. “I’ll usually start setting traps around mid-January.”
Barker says there is a lot to learn about trapping and finishing out the furs. The Alabama Trappers and Predator Control Association can answer questions and help those interested get started in trapping. Trapping is highly regulated and a fur catcher license is required.
“Trapping can help control wildlife populations, particularly among predators. Coyotes, bobcats and foxes can offset other wildlife and small game numbers.”
Trapping can help control wildlife populations, particularly among predators. Coyotes, bobcats, and foxes can offset other wildlife and small game numbers. Beavers can also cause damage to farmland and forests from flooding caused by beaver dams. Deer, turkey, and other wild game benefit from the trapping of predators.
Fur catchers have restrictions on the types and size of traps used in Alabama. Leg-hold traps cannot have a jaw width greater than six inches. Teeth or serrated jaws are not allowed.
Traps must be identified/tagged with trapper name, address, and license number. Also, a report on the animals harvested, the county taken and to whom the furs were sold is required.
The trip plate on the trap should be level with the jaws. Photo by Charles Johnson
Basic Fur Trapping Techniques
Trapping is an art form that has diminished over the years. Many outdoorsmen used trapping to supplement their income and provide for their families. There is more to trapping than just setting out a few traps. Special regard must be given to scent control, baiting and knowledge of the fur bearers.
“I boil my traps in hot water to clean and eliminate any scent,” Barker explains. “After boiling, I’ll coat the entire trap with hot wax.”
Barker says the wax helps keep the trap from rusting and acts as a lubricant. He wears rubber gloves when handling his traps and when setting them out.
Determining what type of animal you are attempting to catch will define the area to place the trap. Coyotes have a very keen sense of smell. They can walk down a trail and catch the scent of bait blowing across from any direction. Coyotes are more apt to use old logging roads, trails or even dirt roads.
“Look for something natural that will catch the eye of a predator,” Barker says. “A single rock, a stump, or log will get the curiosity of a predator.”
Barker says to place the trap where the animal is most likely to step. Sticks, logs, or brush can be placed near the trap to direct the animal to the trap. The bait or trapping scent is placed beyond the trap location. You want the predator to focus on the scent and not the trap.
Cut-over areas and edges of fields are top spots for predator traps. The predator will travel along these routes to search for prey.
If the trap is set in a natural corridor, the more likely the animal will step in the trap. Look for animal trails or small gaps in thick brush. Small mammals and birds will hold tight to the thicker cover.
For coyotes and bobcats, a 1 3/4 to 2-size spring trap works best. Smaller size traps can be used for raccoons, beaver, nutria, and other furbearers. State laws require trap lines to be checked every 24 hours.
“I usually bury my traps just under the surface,” explains Barker. “I like for the plate of the trap to be level with the jaws.”
Once set, Barker will carefully cover the trap with loose soil and leaves. The trap should be camouflaged as must as possible. Trappers should wear rubber gloves and boots when setting out traps to keep from leaving any scent. Barker also suggests not letting any morsels or dripping from the bait touch the ground outside the trap area.
For predator trapping, any type of meat can be used for bait. Allow the meat to become a little rank and place it in sealable plastic bags. Do not remove the bait until setting the trap. Commercially-produced scents and lures can also be used for trapping.
Under the trapping regulations, all fur catchers are required to carry a choke stick when trapping. Also, a .22 caliber rifle (or smaller) can be used to dispatch the animal.
Fur prices have seen an increase in value recently. Photo by Charles Johnson
Pelt Preparation
Fur buyers prefer their pelts be tanned a specific way. Before attempting to tan and sell any furs, you may want to contact the fur buyer for their preference.
It is easier to secure the hide by the rear legs and cut to the center. Predator furs are cut in a tube shape. Do not cut the fur down the belly. Also, the furs must be dried and fleshed out properly. Skinning and stretching frames are available from trapping supply houses.
Fur pricing depends on the location where the fur is trapped. Barker says the area around Mt. Cheaha, in the northeast section of the state, falls in the pricing region of Tennessee and therefore brings a little better price than from other regions.
Prices for pelts do fluctuate depending on the market and the demand for specific types of fur. Also, the pelt condition and how well it is tanned out can have an effect on the price. Trappers have to be prepared and willing to skin and flesh out the hides to garner a higher price.
Coyotes can bring in around $30 to $60 per hide. Red fox pelts can range from around $20 up to $60 for top end furs. Beaver pelts around $25 to $35 and raccoon hides range from around $10 to $20 each.
Again, these are average ranges of prices; they do change. Fur prices can fluctuate from month to month based on hide condition, weather, and region where trapped.
Trapping has a long history in America. It was trappers and fur traders that helped settle the interior of our country and establish outposts that later became cities.
While there is some controversy surrounding trapping and the fur trade, it is a viable wildlife management tool. Trapping is just one of the adventures to enjoy many great days outdoors.
