NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Furs from the Northwest Territories are fetching high prices at southern auctions this year with total sales for 2011 already exceeding 2010 revenues.

Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs generated more than $815,000 at the Fur Harvester's Auction in Seattle on March 13. Here, a buyer looks over lynx pelts, which sold for as high as $281.33. - photo courtesy of Mark Downey

Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs have generated almost $300,000 more than 2010 after just two auctions.

On March 13, more than 90 per cent of NWT furs sold at the Fur Harvester's Auction in Seattle, Washington, resulting in $817,769.99. That proved a dramatic increase over last year's $554,385. John Colford, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment's (ITI) manager of traditional economy, agriculture and fisheries, cites an improved economic climate for the success at this auction.

"Fur is a global commodity and it goes around the world," Colford said. "Our marten is floating between Russia, Greece and Pan-Asia. If those countries are affected by the downturn, so are we."

Buyers from Asia and Russia comprised the two largest markets for fur at the March auction, where they purchased sable, marten and lynx, all plentiful furs in the NWT.

"[Those furs] have always been a high fashion item, in high demand for high-quality goods," said Mark Downey, CEO of Fur Harvester's Auction. "We have the finest collection available and that includes the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs collection. The NWT always produces the finest marten in North America."

NWT marten claimed the highest price at $150.37, with four other NWT furs achieving the top price: mink at $25.22, fisher at $81.49, Arctic fox at $67.91 and red fox at $164.92. Those prices were 25 per cent to 231 per cent above the average cost.

Downey said animals living in the harsher climate of the North are generally larger with thicker, more dense coats, producing the high quality furs that fashion demands for its hats and trims.

Downey said he appreciates the hard work of the trappers and the support the government provides.

The GNWT supports more than 800 trappers each year through the marketing service of Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs. Trappers receive an advance of $65 from ITI for each pelt they bring in. If the furs sell for less, the trapper keeps the $65, but if the fur sells for more they also receive that profit. If it's more than $65, they also receive a bonus of $25.

"No one else in North America offers a program like this," Colford said. "The 800 represents 800 plus two or three more people involved in the activity of trapping."

The program started in 2003 and also provides workshops to ensure the trappers can offer the best value for their pelts. Since it started, ITI has seen a change in demographics to younger trappers -- around the 12, 13 and 14 years of age.

"It's nice to see them there because they're the future trappers," Colford said. "They're doing really well. Most of them in the communities outside the regional centres don't have the opportunity for part-time jobs. Trapping is their part-time job."

The next auction will happen in June in North Bay, ON. Colford expects it to be an excellent opportunity for muskrat sales, which typically sell for between $4 and $9. Muskrat pelts are selling at a top price of $25 for best quality furs.

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