Annual Idaho Fish and Game fur auction to run online April 8-22

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game's annual fur auction will be held online this year.

The auction of furs, hides, antlers and other items will be run through Wears Auctioneering West. The online auction opens April 8 and ends April 22. Buyers can preview photos of auction items on Wears Auctioneering West’s website. There will be no in-person viewing of items.

As always, furs, whole carcasses, antlers, skulls and other items are up for grabs at the auction, according to a press release. All items were either found, seized as evidence or salvaged. All carcasses are considered unfit for human consumption and are sold for use of non-edible portions only. Antlers may be sold as bundles by weight or as single sets attached to skull plates.

A Taxidermist-Fur Buyer license is required to purchase raw bear, mountain lion or wolf skins, or parts of bears, mountain lions or wolves or any raw furbearer hide, skin or pelt. Resident licenses are $40 for one year, and nonresident licenses are $187 for one year or $74.25 for three days. The licenses can be purchased at any Idaho Fish and Game office and are required at the time of pick up.

Nonresident purchasers should be aware that their state may not allow import of certain animals or animal parts. Be sure to check your state’s regulations before purchasing.

A person who has killed an animal illegally, and that animal has been confiscated and put up for sale at the auction, may not buy that animal or any part of it at the auction; nor may another person buy the animal or any part of it on their behalf. A violation would be considered an illegal purchase of wildlife.

A 10% buyer’s premium will be added to each sale. Sales tax will be assessed against all sales unless the buyer provides a Sales Tax Resale or Exemption Certificate.

Winning bidders must pick up their items at the Idaho Fish and Game Panhandle Regional Office in Coeur d’Alene (2885 W. Kathleen Ave.). Pick up dates and times are April 24-26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments should be made 24 hours prior to pick up. Shipping is not available. 

For more information about the auction, visit www.wearswest.com or contact the Panhandle Regional Office at 208-769-1414.