I just got in the mail a Harvest Survey and Newsletter from the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department. These were sent to all residents who purchased a 2003 Montana Trappers License. I needed this "Trappers" license to be able to Hunt Bobcats legally in Montana. Lots of interesting things in the newsletter. Including a comparison of the pelt prices of Montana Furbearers from 2000 to 2003's seasons! For instance:

Coyote - 2000 = $18.93 2003 = $30.70
Fox - 2000 = $16.24 2003 = $24.00
Bobcat - 2000 = $106.05 2003 = $203.00!!!
Beaver - 2000 = $15.98 2003 = $14.00
Otter - 2000 = $59.17 2003 = $75.00
Badger - 2000 = $15.98 2003 = $21.50
Ermine - 2000 = No Buy 2003 = $3.00
Otter - 2000 = $59.17 2003 = $75.00
I did not include all the listed Furbearer prices from the newsletter in this list. Most fur prices did increase over the 3 year period the ones that did not increase fell only slightly!

I can see though that I am going to be trying for a few more head shots and using my various 17's more often when I am Hunting some of these Furbearers in the future!
A friend of mine shot 2 and trapped 4 Bobcats this past winter! Properly prepared that should have brought $1,350.00! Thats enough moola to buy a couple of nice new Varmint Rifles!
Hmmm...!!!
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Prices are getting back up there, but they still have a way to go to be what they were twenty five years ago.

Great news, let's hope the trend lasts. It is a pity with all those nice pelts going to waste!
- mike