Subsistence Trapping on the Yukon River. Alaska

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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 two Canadian auction houses. Also the info below is in the form of a poster (click on 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 Canadian Auction House in Vancouver

Sending Fur to Canada by way of H. E. Goldberg & Co. in Seattle.

Goldberg’s and Vancouver Fur Auction have set up a deal which allows trappers to ship fur to Goldberg in Seattle and have them then ship your fur to Canada. This allows trappers to avoid dealing with all the federal shipping permits that pretty much shut down trapping back in 1997. Canada pays for all this and trappers get all the money they would normally get. Vancouver does send liberal advances if you request it.
Why ship Canada: Consistently better prices. Furs sold late and in summer often show no price reduction. Whatever you’re getting from a middle buyer you’ll get significantly more from Canada. For questions see Stan Zuray or Lester Erhart in Tanana.

Shipping

1. Tag the following fur : lynx, wolverine, wolf, beaver and river otter at local tagging agent office (not needed for marten and fox) (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 Western Canadian Auction Sales in Vancouver

3. Address box to: H. E. Goldberg & Co.
   Attn: For Western Canadian Auctions Dept.
   9050 M.L. King Way S.
   Seattle, WA 98118

3. When at Post Office ask for a free (simple to fill out) State Fur Export Permit needed to ship fur out of State. Fill out and attach required part to box and mail the other postcard type half. Insure your fur. All Done

Western Canadian Raw Fur Auctions Sales – Tel - 604-683-5881
H. E. Goldberg & Co. Tel – 206-722-8200

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A similar arrangement has been made between: North American Fur Auctions in Ontario (telephone - 416 675 9320) and Bob Green, Alaska Range Trap Supply, 951 Bunker Hill, Wasilla, Alaska 99654 (telephone - 907 376 2621). I have used them also but you should call Bob Green first to check out.

Trapping Photos from this area

click on to enlarge

Marten in tree

Marten trap and dogs

Joe dogs Trapping

Kath and trapping cabin

Modern trapper

Team leaving trap cabin

Trapline trail break

Stan Marten Trap

Trapline dogs strung out

Harnesses and fur


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