Update!  Update!  Update!

Yes we are finished with our trapping, but now are waiting for the “buyers to trap us”.  Our furs are put away in a freezer somewhere and awaiting the right buyer.  The “big” sale at the “North American Fur Auction” house in Canada won’t happen until May, but the deadline for having furs delivered to their place has already past.  Sorry Charlie!  (which by the way is what April 6 is…National Sorry Charlie Day).

Bob and I have had some interesting bids for our rats so far, but we have politely turned them all down.  It’s one thing to step into a number 2 trap, and completely another to saunter into a live trap.  We had high hopes on a buyer the other day only to be rather insulted by their offer.  Not that the offer was a terrible one, it wasn’t, it just wasn’t what we feel our rats are worth.  So into the freezer they went.

They are safe from mice and other vermin, especially where they are stored.  Off site and out of harms way.

You know what really bothers me about the last group that came and looked at our rats is this.  First off, they graded us “very hard”, two bite marks anywhere on the rat tossed them into the “ugly” pile…rats worth a whole lot less than “reality” at any auction, in their opinion.  Secondly, to tell us that our rats measured an inch less than we know they actually measure!  Give me a break guys!  Spit on the ground all you want.  Tell us you are the most honest buyers in the whole wide world if you want.  Tell us you will pay us the difference if  you sell for higher then (?) some number you don’t ever intend us to know you sold for.  Come on “honest buyers”!  For heck sake, do we have to bundle up these furs and send them off under our own name to the auction house?  We can you know.

Just once.  Just once, it would be nice to have an honest fur buyer come around and “be honest” and “up front” about our quality, quantity and give us an honest price.  JUST ONCE!

I think back at the days in the field.  Freezing cold.  Wind blowing hard, tumble weeds flying over my head.  Hands so cold from being wet I want to cry and trying my best to take a caught rat out of a trap…and now..some dude trying to “pry that rat out of MY hands for $2 less than it’s worth”!  Not today guys!  And not tomorrow!  You call me and please add a dollar to your offer or you will hear the phone hang up.  That’s what I say and my partner agrees.

Does anyone want to hear the name of the company that made us that ridiculous offer?

When it comes down to “principle” and “integrity” and “true honesty”, I sure am having my doubts about most fur buyers.

Someone recently told me they would like to see all of Northern Utah fur trappers get together and meet somewhere centrally located to sell our furs.  It would have to be after the trapping season for all species of animals.  Invite all the fur buyers from all over the nation to this event.  And have them bid on our furs.  Of course we could turn down the bid we heard if we felt it wasn’t high enough.  I really like that idea.

Number one:  It would make the under-the-table-guys stay home.

Number two:  It would make those trying to steal the furs have to up their price or go home with nothing to show for their travel expenses.

Number three:  It would give us trappers a reason to “party”!  I like parties!

As a side “number”, it would boost the local economy.  What say we meet in Grouse Creek, Utah?!!!

This is fun folks!  I really like to think that I helped one of my fellow trappers get almost $3 more for his furs than he was willing to sell his furs for.  Now deep down inside, that REALLY does make me feel good.  I am a very happy guy for him and I know he does appreciate it to the fullest.  I’m sure I will see him at rendezvous and we will pat each other on the back and have a drink over his good fortune!

Me?  Frozen furs!  Next year they will be worth even more because the demand will be that much higher and the supply that much lower.  I can wait. But I am still willing to sell to the “right” buyer!  Are you out there?

Bears Butt

April 2012