Cold weather means prime pelts for Yukon trappers

At least someone's happy about this year's cold weather in Yukon.

BrianMelansonof theYukon Trappers Association says this year's wild peltsare looking great.

It's a relief after the last few years.

"This year looks to be a bumper crop year. A lot of families and trappers have gone out there. They got out early this year in mid-October," he said."They're coming out with a very large percentage of absolutely prime pelts. The cold winter that we've had has allowed thefurto thicken up richly."

Melanson says wolf, lynx and marten peltsare looking especially thick this year.

Last year warmer temperatures did not lead to very good pelts andopen water kept trappers from travelling on the land.

Trapping is hard work andis not a very lucrative pursuit at the best of times, so any increase in revenue is much appreciated,Melansonsaid.

Melansonsays trappersaren't bringing in more animals than usual. Butthe pelts they're seeing are especially thick. That means theycould be labelled "select" by the auction house and they could fetch about 60 per cent more than furs labelled a "one" or "two."

Association working with local crafters

The Yukon Trappers Associationhas been holding workshops in different communitiesthis year,trying to get more people out on the land.

The associationhas 180 members who've paid membership dues and about 50 people who've let their membership elapse but still receive the group's newsletter, Melanson says.

The next wild fur harvesters' auction will be held in North Bay Ontario on March 9. Another follows on May 24th.

These international auctions are the main source of revenue for Yukon trappers.

However this year the Yukon Trappers' Association has also been selling furs directly to local crafters afterpaying trappers in advance for beaver, muskrat fox and other smaller pelts.

This year Yukon furs will be showcased at the Arctic Winter Games, as athletes will be wearing wolf fur pom-poms.

Awards to be given in Whitehorse

This year the Yukon Trappers Association and the North Yukon Renewable resource Council have been holding events in Whitehorse. This includessewing classes teaching people how to make pom-poms and ruffs from fur.

The new public outreach initiative called Unfurledis supported in part by the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, the Yukon government, the Council of Yukon First Nations and other sponsors.

The new campaign is stressing that fur is a "buy local" product, and its motto is that Yukon furs are "wild, sustainable and warm."

An award ceremony is scheduled for 5pmon the March 9 at the Kwanlin Dn Cultural Centre in Whitehorse. The Yukon Trappers Associationwill begiving out prizes for best wolverine, wolf, coyote, fox, lynx, beaver and marten pelt.

The association is also holding its first Fur Ballfashion show and dance on March 10 in Whitehorse aftera day of speakers and demonstrations at theKwanlinDnCultural Centre.