Begining trapper questions

[duckhunter382]

I have trapped a little bit before but never was able to catch a substantial amount. I have decided to give it another go and this time I bought a book and read the posts on here. My main question is how do most people sell their fur? do you skin it an stretch it and wait for an auction or do you sell it right away? also I read that skunks actually have a value, does anybody actually skin them and sell them or am I mistaken? skunks are about the only thing I had success with in the past, except for a raccoon and a couple muskrats and a oppossum foot.

[soggybtmboys]

Catching is just the first part of trapping. Care of fur is the next. Skinning, fleshing, stretching. There is a good sticky in this forum regarding fur handling. Figure out your target animals and study how to catch them and how to properly care for their fur once you have it. Their is a big difference in what a buyer will be willing to pay for fur that is handled properly or fur that is handled improperly.....sometimes mishandled fur can actually become worthless.

[duckhunter382]

thanks for the advice I however do know alot about skinning and fleshing and stretching I used to tan squirrel hides when I was younger and I always tried to tan hides and stuff so fleshing and fur handling are not my problem its the catching part :lol::lol::lol: I guess I just get everything backwards. I was just wondering if I should do all that work or if I should find a fur buyer and just sell them green providing of course that I can actually get something this year. also are there any fur buyers in the muskegon area?

[soggybtmboys]

Well, you would have to ask a buyer if they would buy green fur or not. As far as a buyer in your area, there are links on Mich.gov/dnr and search for licensed buyers. I am also pretty sure that someone here or on michigantrappers.com can give you an area fur buyer.