The days are getting longer here in Western Wisconsin-ten and one-half hours of daylight now. The coyotes are very vocal as they enter breeding season. Our trapping season for them lasts until the middle of the month-I still have a chance!
What a wonderful turn the muskrat price took this winter. We have sold some of our fall rats for a top of $8.00 with the average of the two lots being $6.50. Otter Creek Fur was doing a brisk business at Pietrek’s Station in Independence,WI on Jan 23, 2010. Lots of coon and muskrats coming in . Next(and last) date there is Feb 13, 2010.

     Hawken, Sue and I paid a visit to Henry Hoff at Woodpecker Ranch in Blair, WI last weekend. Henry is my 90+ year-old fur buyer that I have worked with for 36 years.It was great to spend some time talking trapping,  coon-hunting, and fur with Hank and his daughter Sonja. It was a time to share the appreciation and beauty of  the furs.  Henry was kind enough to sell us his Nite-Lite business 2 years ago-that is how we came to be in the coon-hunting supply business also.  This matches well with our vet business as we also can provide vaccine and flea and tick products for the hounds as well as for any other dogs. Watch for our dates this year for our Open Houses with vaccination clinics.

      Don’t forget the District 5 Winter Meeting this Saturday, Feb.6, 2010.   One o’clock at Bud Pierson’s Fur Shed in Trempealeau, WI.-bring a dish to pass and a story to share.

      There’s still time to catch a few muskrats !

                                                                                                                                                          Tom