The fishing and hunting community continues to feel the effects of the COVID-19 virus pandemic, including the trapping industry. Trappers enjoyed an overall trapping season. They are now facing dilemmas regarding the distribution of this season's furs among the pandemic.

Even though the Coronavirus has halted spring fur sales events, trouble also began in the fall of 2019 with the bankruptcy of the North American Fur Auction in Canada. The Fur Auction had been the backbone of the fur industry and its financial troubles left the Fur Harvesters of America (FHA) to pick up the slack.

The Auction bankruptcy is not the only untimely circumstance facing trappers. A late-March FHA auction became another Coronavirus victim, placing a massive toll on the auction house and fur buying in general. It brought the “essential” status of fur into question. Chris Gerling, of Hoot's Furs and Supplies in Collins Center, NY said, “There is a market, but the question remains if there will be a market after the crisis. This remains to be seen. Most buying on the country level is being done on speculation and prices are low due to the uncertainty of the situation.”

Gerling went on to say “Red fox are trading at about $2 to $8, muskrats are topping out at $4 and jumbo prime winter raccoons are topping out between $6 and $8. Smaller unprimed raccoon is practically worthless. Coyote prices are currently dropping about 30 to 40 percent from their projected prices. Some furs will not move at all.”

John Rockwood¸ an officer in the New York State Trappers Association said, “In the past we have been able to withstand these hits but if buyers are taken out due to the virus, or if the economy on a global level hits rock bottom, it can and will have a serious effect on the fur industry. There are many uncertainties in the fur industry as well as others across the globe. This sets a whole new precedent in itself as to the size and seriousness of the world economy. Economies across the globe are being destroyed on account of the Coronavirus, and there are many wrinkles in fixing it.”

In the meantime the Fur Harvesters of America is planning an August fur auction and will continue to update the situation on its website: furharvesters.com.

PA Anterless Deer Permits!

The Pennsylvania Game Commission announced that antlerless deer permits will be available soon. Residents of Pennsylvania can apply on Monday July 13; cost is $6.90 per permit. Non¬residents can apply starting on Monday July 20; cost is $26.90 per permit.

Jack Danchak is the President of the Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs of Sullivan County.