Ouestion about prime fur?

[Hardcase]

I've always tried to wait until fur is prime to start trapping. Now I hear more and more trappers starting the last of October or the first of November. Even in the north country and western mountains most fur is not really prime. I have a hard enough time getting a good price for fur. If it's not prime it don't bring squat where I sell.

What's your opinion on this?

[Bogmaster]

Bob,one thing to remember---not all trappers are in it for the$$$$$$.
 Some take advantage of good fall weather,to go out and enjoy themselves,before winter sets in.
 As far as waiting for prime fur,I start when our water season opens.Beaver do not prime up till we have 3 feet of ice,same with rats.
 Coon is a hard one,old boars are #2s right now.Sows and kits arent anywhere ready,and those sows are not prime till close to december---december  we could have 4 feet of snow by that time,not many coon moving then. I still remember 1991-oct 31--39 inches of snow.
 Sometimes it is to our advantage to take more fur of a bit lesser value,than waiting to take less fur of a higher value.
 Each trapper must decide,what works best for him or her.
 Good luck,
 Tom

[steven49er]

Hardcase I think that sometimes that southern trappers dont realize how much sooner our animals prime up around here.  Also they dont realize how soon the weather will shut you down.

One other thing is that even when sub-prime most of our northern fur is worth more than a good prime southern skin.