Local Trappers Participate in Fur Auction

Buyers placed their bids on some wild items Saturday…

The Ohio State Trappers Association held the last of its four fur auctions of the season. Bob Daniels said they only bring in the best judges and auctioneers, to make sure the trappers get their money’s worth.

"They’re grading the fur and putting it in stacks, and then they will attach a card to say that this is like a ‘Number 1 Coon’ or a ‘Number 3 Coon’, or this is a ‘Number 1 Muskrat’ or a ‘Number 3 Muskrat’, because that has a lot to do with how much you get for it," said Daniels.

Trappers from all over the area brought in furs, and some buyers from the east coast made the trip to attend the auction. Daniels said he used to be a buyer, but now he enjoys the sport of it.

"It’s just kind of fun to watch, but I’m just kind of watching stuff as it’s going through the table. Muskrats right now, are really selling well. If you don’t know much about muskrats, I just saw a batch of I think 130 some rats go for 12 bucks a piece. I just saw a nice beaver go for 60 dollars… So, it’s going to be a good sale today."

Daniels said like any business, the sale of fur is based on the state of the economy.