Fur auction set for Feb. 3 in Chandler

Hunters and trappers wanting to sell their furs will have an opportunity Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Agri-Civic Center in Chandler, and based on initial market reports, prices will be better than last year.

The auction, sponsored by the First Oklahoma Trappers and Predator Callers Association, begins at 9 a.m., with doors opening at 8 a.m. The building will also be open from 2-6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, for sellers to bring their furs and register. "Fur markets change daily, but the trend is for higher demand, and better prices, especially on the top-end furs," said Bill Jackson, auction coordinator. "The colder weather has also helped, making furs primer and more marketable. Stablilization of financial markets in China, Russia, Korea and Japan have also helped create higher prices."

Results from a fur auction held in Kansas in mid-January provide a reasonable baseline for what hunters and trappers might expect from the Chandler sale. Average and top prices for pelts sold in Kansas were as follows:

• Bobcat: $25 average and $43 high;
  
• Raccoon: $9 average and $21 high;
  
• Skunks: $8 average;
  
• Beaver: $10 average and $20 high;
  
• Coyote: No furs offered.
  

Jackson said furs may be sold stretched or green, but that all sellers must have a valid hunting or trapping license from Oklahoma or their respective state. All bobcats must have an export tag affixed to the pelt before it can be sold. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation personnel will be on hand to tag bobcats. Bobcats from other states must have export tags on the pelts before entering Oklahoma.

For reservations or more information on the auction, contact Jackson at 918/336-8154.