Trapping can be one of the harder subsistence activities. Traps are checked in very cold temperatures at times and trails are often kept open only by the trapper. It is an activity that used to provide youth with some of their first real money in life. In Tanana up to recently it was the main source of income for some individuals. It has taken some major hits in the last 15 years or so. Declines in the market prices coupled with federal government enforcement efforts (see Subsistence Activities page) have almost eliminated it from many areas. In this area there are signs of it recovering as prices increase and the government has eased up on stopping the activity.
Below is information on how to legally bypass the federal regulations on shipping fur to a Canadian auction house. Also the info below is in the form of a poster (click on link by fish) that you can download to put up in your village to help support trappers. In Tanana we make multiple copies and keep available at the store, etc. for persons to take home.
Information Poster on Shipping Fur to a Canadian Auction House in Ontario
Sending Fur to Canada by way of Joe Matte of Alaska Raw Fur in Fairbanks.
Fur Harvesters Auction Inc. in Ontario and Joe Mattie (AK Raw Fur)in Fairbanks have set up a legal deal which allows trappers to ship fur to Alaska Raw Fur in Fairbanks and where your fur will then be shipped to Canada by them. This allows trappers to avoid dealing with all the federal shipping permits that pretty much shut down trapping back in 1997. Fur Harvesters Auction Inc. pays for all this and trappers get all the money they would normally get. Liberal advances are available if you request it. Why ship Canada: Consistently better prices. For questions see Stan Zuray or Lester Erhart in Tanana. Joe Mattie also buys fur on the spot for very fair prices and you get immediate money for your fur. updated on 5/06/2011
Shipping
1. Tag (State tags)the following fur: lynx, wolverine, wolf, and river otter at local tagging agent office (not needed for marten, beaver and fox) (State Tags are free) 2. Box up with a paper inside that has your name and address, telephone and type and numbers of furs on it. Write on paper: This Fur is to be shipped to Fur Harvesters Auction Inc. in Ontario
3. Address box to: Joe Mattie Alaska Raw Fur 4106 Boat St Fairbanks, AK, 99709 Joe’s number is 907 479 2462 if you want to call first or get official shipping paperwork.
Fur Harvesters Auction Inc. telephone number is 705 495 4688.
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A similar arrangement has been made at a number of Alaskan shipping points that may be more convenient to your location. Check around.
Trapping Photos from this area
click on to enlarge
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