Trappers Find Profit In Porcupines

Trappers Find Profit In Porcupines SPECIALTY/SERVICES A growing market for porcupine hair claws skulls and quills means that North America’s second-largest rodent is a target species for trappers across the country In most cases porcupines are captured in traps set out for other species Harvesting is best in the winter when the porcupines have put on their winter coat The legality of trapping porcupines varies by state so you should research local regulations While their quills get most of the attention porcupines have long guard hairs across their backs that are valued for making male headdresses for Native American ceremonial events When this hair grows over 8 in long it’s easily worth more than $20 per animal The value of porcupine quills is related to their size The largest and most valuable quills can be found along the animal’s back and tail Most are purchased for crafting purposes like decorating moccasins or making beaded necklaces Dying the quills before selling them further increases their worth The easiest way to prep porcupines for sale is to skin the animal with hair quills and claws intact The hides tend to be less valuable than when the components are separated but processing takes a fraction of the time Alternatively trappers can remove the animal’s long guard hairs by pulling them out a few dozen at a time and securing them with rubber bands in 1-inch bundles Waiting a few days after procuring the animal can make them easier to remove Premium hairs sell for $24 per ounce or more Claws are simple to cut off but they must be dried and hairless before selling Expect to make about $3 to $4 per animal Quill removal tends to be the most tedious step but rushing the job can lead to bent or broken quills that are essentially worthless One method is to press the quills into a material they will stick to such as potatoes or cotton towels You can remove each quill from this material without the step of cleaning away the underfur Trappers can add several dollars of value per ounce to the quills by dying them before selling Instructions will vary by dye brand but the process typically takes around an hour Trapping and preparing porcupines for resale is not for the faint of heart The process takes time and careful attention but do it right and you will be financially rewarded for your effort Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Moscow Hide and Fur P O Box 8918 Moscow Idaho 83843 ph 208-882-0601; www hideandfur com

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