Fur Prices at 30-Year High—Good for Ducks?

by
posted on January 12, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (3)

The days when every 12-year-old country boy in America ran a trapline have vanished, but could trapping be on the verge of a comeback? Driven by rising demand in China, Korea, and Russia, fur prices are at a 30-year high.

“Trappers are seeing an increase in their paychecks,” Toby Walrath, president of the Montana Trappers Association, told the Missoulian. “The market is strong and improving. It’s a good time to be a trapper right now.”

In Montana alone, according to Walrath, this resulted in a $2.7 million economic impact. Who knew there was still such money to be made in furs?

Though I do not trap myself, I wonder what impact a widespread increase in such activities could have on waterfowl populations. Delta Waterfowl has long-argued that trapping should be a key duck-production strategy, particularly in areas where habitat has failed. (This is a key area of disagreement with Ducks Unlimited.)

Given that fur-bearing animals such as red foxes and raccoons have increased in abundance and distribution, Delta argues that "predator management is the most cost-effective waterfowl management tool available to increase annual duck production." With fur prices on the rise, could it also be the ticket to making a little cash?

Latest

Upland (5)
Upland (5)

5 Keys To Make This Your Best Upland Season Ever

Tired of walking long distances and coming home empty-handed? Here are five keys to help boost your bag of birds this year.

C&H Precision and MERUS Adventure Launch Guided Hunt Giveaway

Free entry runs through Nov. 13, 2026, and one winner and a guest will be heading to the Texas Panhandle for a fully guided hunt at MERUS Adventure—a private hunting and off-road park near Claude, Texas, outside Amarillo. The trip includes a fully guided hunt, range time with top-tier optics and gear, on-site lodging for the length of the stay and off-road driving across the property.

Things I’ve Learned About Public-Land Elk

Every generation has a story starting with, “I remember the good old days.” Elk hunters have a similar dialogue and although elk numbers are at some of their highest in modern history, public-land hunting still represents a sea of challenges. With decades of elk hunting in my rearview and an ongoing education, a few lessons I’ve learned from elk hunting may aid you in your public-land elk pursuits.

Colorado Ballot Battle Heats Up

The required number of valid signatures to put a “Right to Hunt and Fish Amendment” on Colorado’s Nov. 3 ballot was reached on Sept. 4. If approved by voters—according to Ballotpedia’s summary—it would add the “…right to hunt, fish, and take fish and wildlife through traditional methods” to the state constitution.

#SundayGunday: CZ 600+ ST3 American

On this week's #SundayGunday, we are taking a look at the new-for-2026 design of the CZ 600+ ST3 American, the ST3 being the long- and magnum-action model. Built by the legendary Czech company for the American market, this is a rifle adapted perfectly to hunting on this continent.

How Can Hunters Travel Out of State With Suppressed Firearms?

Getting federal and state agencies out of the way of the citizens who wish to use suppressors to make their guns more polite to their ears and to their neighbors’ is an ongoing, complex and multifaceted effort. There is, however, progress being made thanks to the Trump administration.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.