Furbearer Primeness

An important part of setting furbearer seasons is when pelts are prime. In a fully prime pelt, both the guard hairs and the under-fur have reached optimum length and density. On the leather side of the pelt, the hair roots have stopped producing pigment and contract, resulting in a skin that is soft, flexible and creamy white. In an unprime skin, the under-fur and guard hairs are not fully developed and are at low density. The leather is bluish to black as a result of active pigment production in the hair roots. Furs harvested at prime bring better prices.

Furs harvested at prime bring better prices. Trappers should harvest fur when prime it is prime.