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The trading of furs has changed drastically since Clarence sold his first pelts. As stated earlier, when a trapper had a number of pelts to sell, an individual buyer came to visit, examined the pile of furs, and offered what the buyer thought was a "fair" price. Often the trapper felt he was at the mercy of this buyer and accepted his offer no matter what, even though the trapper suspected the quality of his furs should have warranted higher prices. This cash transaction was usually a "take it or leave it" proposition. Generally, the trapper accepted the offer since buyers were few and far between. The pelts ended up in Montreal where they were manufactured into coats, etc.

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The Mussells With a Pair of Nice Beaver Pelts
2002

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In the 1960's a number of Ontario trappers decided that they should unite to form an association in order to auction their pelts, and thus realize much better prices. As a result, the Ontario Trappers' Association was established in North Bay, Ontario. A membership fee of $5.00 was charged to each trapper who wished to belong. This association continued for a number of years and then declared bankruptcy; however, since restructuring, it is now back in business and in much better shape than before. All pelts are sent to North Bay where they are graded and then bundled into "lot" parcels. Sample pelts from each lot are then sent to the Seattle, Washington Fur Auction where the lots are bid upon according to the quality of the samples. Today, a premium quality muskrat pelt would bring $7.00. the average price being $3.00 to $3.25. The average price for a raccoon pelt is now $15.00. A fox brings $50.00 for top quality and an average price of $30.00. A beaver is $40.00 for top quality and average is $20.00. A quality wolf pelt is $60.00 and an average price is $40.00. An otter's luxurious pelt brings a high of $150.00, while the average is $90.00. A top quality mink goes for $25.00, an average is $15.00. A fisher pelt brings $35.00 and the average price is $25.00. Pelts are shipped to fur manufacturers in China, Italy, Japan, Germany and Montreal.

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Pelts Drying After They Have Been Cleaned and Stretched
21 January 2004

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Will there always be a trapping industry in Osgoode? Clarence thinks so even though he claims the "dollar value" of producing fur today is not as great as it once was. Higher labour costs mean higher production costs. The cost to tan a hide today runs at about $20.00 each. There is still a world demand for furs. Although there are periods of highs and lows, Clarence believes the wildlife population continues to grow in this region. The trappers themselves are aging; however, there is ample evidence that the "old timers" are very keen on passing on their trapping skills and interest to their children and to their grandchildren, and there is ample evidence that the "youngsters" are just as keen to continue.

Ron Isaac, President.
The Osgoode Township Historical Society

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Conibear Traps for Muscrat and Channel Box
21 January 2004