Winter is coming and furbearers are starting to become prime.
Wild Fur is at its peak at different times for various species and also depending on their location. Fox, Coyotes, longhaired animals are normally prime into November. In most areas full primeness will be early to mid-November and the fur will stay at topmost quality until mid to late February. The water furbearers such as beaver, mink, muskrat, otters are not at their peak until the middle of winter.
Most furbearers possess two layers of fur; a dense soft underfur providing insulation and water-repellent qualities and an outer layer of longer glossy guard hairs that grow through the underfur, protecting it from matting and rubbing. A fur is prime when the guard hairs are at their maximum length, the coat is fresh and fully-grown, and the underfur is at its maximum thickness. In addition, as winter approaches the skin will begin to lighten and eventually turn totally white.
A product of long traditional use, wild fur is a renewable natural resource, valued by many for its beauty, durability, and natural qualities. The fur and trapping industry is highly regulated to ensure humane management of animal populations. In fact, ethical hunters and trappers are key to healthy wildlife and ecosystems, helping to prevent overpopulation and being aware of early warning signs that a species is in trouble.
Fur is only one of many values that people attribute to furbearers. People have continuously used furbearers in North America for clothing, food and religious ceremonies for the past 11,000 years. The durability and luxury of real wild fur clothing and products mean they are a wise and ethical choice.