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Trapping industry still going strong

Dam Beaver Trapping Supplies is a family business incorporated in 2012 and based out of Rhein.
Fur Pick up
Taylor Sliva, left, of Preeceville was one of the many local trappers who brought in the furs that he trapped during the trapping season to be shipped to the Fur Harvesters Auction. Ian Bugera from Dam Beaver Trapping Supplies is the exclusive agent in Saskatchewan for the auction company, and picked up the furs on April 7.

Dam Beaver Trapping Supplies is a family business incorporated in 2012 and based out of Rhein.

Together Ian, Cory and Calin Bugera have many years of trapping experiences that helps them to answer all types of questions surrounding around the industry. “We have a full range of traps, lures and accessories for the beginner or experienced trapper at our store,” said Ian.

The Bugeras also are the exclusive agent in Saskatchewan for Fur Harvesters Auction Inc. They travel across Saskatchewan twice a year stopping at various locations, picking up furs from trappers that are designated for the auction. “A lot of trappers will just bring in their fur throughout the season to our store where we will keep and ship them to the auction where the trappers get a far price for their hard work and efforts. Coyote fur still remains a strong market followed by beaver and wolf furs,” he said.

The Town of Preeceville was their first stop on April 7, the first of a two-week pick up schedule that will see them in 50 different locations. The final stop will be on April 16 in Grenfell.

The first pickup was held in January 2020 but COVID-19 pandemic forced a delay in the original pickup dates and in auction dates. The pickup dates are usually held in January and then in April.

“We work with the trappers to help them get their products to market and aid them with any and all of their trapping needs. The trapping industry is the oldest industry around and has been faced with many challenges over the years but has remained a strong industry steeped in tradition. Trapping is a natural way of helping control populations and preserving and promoting a healthy environment,” said Ian.

Dam Beaver Trapping Supplies are also sponsors of The Real Deal with Marc episodes on Wild TV. They sell and ship trapping supplies all across Canada for the beginner to the experienced trapper. They offer advice and “the right tools you need to catch your prey, as we understand the excitement of trapping.”

More than 80,000 people participate in Canada’s 300-year-old fur trade industry. The trapping industry in Saskatchewan includes more than 4,500 registered trappers and generates between $1.5 and $6 million every year, stated the Government of Saskatchewan website.

Fur species are a renewable resource and many trappers depend on raw fur sales to supplement their annual income. Proper conservation and humane use will ensure the long-term sustainability of the resource and the trapping industry.