Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Hay River (May 13/02) - Trappers in the South Slave are more than willing to learn new tricks for an old trade.

The old trade is skinning beaver, and the new tricks were provided by Mike Fortin.

Mike Fortin, a professional trapper from Ontario, recently toured the South Slave giving workshops on how to skin a beaver and prepare the pelt for market. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

Fortin, a professional trapper from Ontario, recently toured the region to give workshops on skinning beavers and preparing the pelts for market.

The tour was sponsored by the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development.

On May 4, Fortin was on the Hay River Reserve, where about 25 people turned out to hear his advice.

Fortin said he works at a fur auction house in North Bay, and he knows what graders are looking for and how to prepare furs to produce the best price.

"We have to have quality," he said.

He demonstrated various techniques and equipment, including a knife he designed, and how to make the fur appear as thick and valuable as possible.

Fortin also talked about removing the ears from pelts. When the ears dry they become sharp and can cut the fingers of a fur grader.

"A grader with a cut finger is not a happy grader," he said

The trappers appeared impressed by the techniques and advice.

"I never knew about the ears," said Robert Lamalice, who was also impressed by the speed at which Fortin could prepare a beaver pelt.

"It's good to learn better techniques," said Peter Sabourin, who was particularly impressed with Fortin's specially designed knife.

Fortin's tour of the South Slave, which included stops in Fort Smith, Fort Resolution, Hay River and Kakisa, was arranged by Sholto Douglas, an RWED wildlife officer from Fort Smith.

Sholto explained to the trappers that the techniques would help them get better quality pelts. "And you're going to end up making more money."