The MTA will be having the annual pelt handling contest at the winter meeting in Brainerd. Any member of the association can compete for the title of “Master Fur Handler”. The winner will receive a plaque and have the title of Master Fur Handler for the year. You may only enter one pelt for each species but up to nine of the species on the list.
The contest will give points for the top three pelts of each species and the handler with the most total points will win the coveted title of Master Fur Handler for the year. Each first-place pelt will receive 5 points, second place 3 points, and third place 2 points for each species. Prizes will be awarded to the overall winner and all first-place winners in each species.
This year’s winners will receive prizes of fur handling equipment and supplies as well as a certificate award. The first, second and third place winners of all species will be listed in the upcoming newsletter.
A lot of information is shared to try and help to improve everyone’s pelt handling skills. Be sure to stop on over and check out the furs. Maybe you can learn some tips to help yourself. Who knows, maybe you will try to compete next year?
Please note that changes have been made in the guidelines. Once again, all pelts must be entered by 10:30 am. We will have expert judges again this year.
A note to any competitor: Remember that you do not have to trap the animal yourself, YOU must be the one that puts it up. So, you can borrow pelts from someone else if you do the pelt handling. Please be sure that your pelts are completely dry and wiped down. Do not rush them, if they are not thoroughly dry, they could be disqualified. Please plan your pelt handling time accordingly.
Also, if any junior pelt handlers would like to have their pelts looked at, bring them in and we can give you tips on how to improve.
So, if you would like to try for the overall title or try to place in one species get your pelts ready. See you at the meeting in January.
2025 MTA Winter Meeting
Guidelines for Pelt Handling Competition
***You are only allowed to enter 9 species out of the 15***
| Fur | Paws/Claws | Tail | Front
Legs |
Ear
Cartilage |
Lower
Lip |
|
| OPOSSUM | IN | OFF | OFF | CUT SHORT | – | OFF |
| RACCOON | IN | OFF | SPLIT | CUT SHORT | – | OFF |
| BOBCAT | OUT | OFF | SPLIT | IN OR OUT | – | OFF |
| MINK | IN | OFF | SPLIT | CUT SHORT | – | OFF |
| MARTEN | OUT | OFF | SPLIT | IN | – | OFF |
| FISHER | OUT | OFF | SPLIT | IN | – | OFF |
| RED FOX | OUT | OFF | SPLIT | IN | OFF | OFF |
| GRAY FOX | OUT | OFF | SPLIT | IN | OFF | OFF |
| COYOTE | OUT | OFF | SPLIT | IN | OFF | OFF |
| BEAVER | OPEN* | OFF | OFF | CLOSED SHUT | – | LIPS REMOVED |
| OTTER | IN | OFF | SPLIT | CUT SHORT | – | OFF |
| MUSKRAT | IN | OFF | OFF | CUT SHORT | – | OFF |
| WEASEL | IN | OFF | SPLIT | CUT SHORT | – | OFF |
| BADGER | CASE FUR OUT OR OPEN | OFF | SPLIT | CUT SHORT | – | OFF |
| SKUNK | IN | OFF | SPLIT | CUT SHORT | – | OFF |
NOTE: Exceptional pelts considered for taxidermy: claws and lips left on. (Will not be penalized tag to state when registered.)
*Beaver: Shaped Ontario oval. Use small nails closely spaced. If looped lace very closely. Do not over stretch. Nose and lips removed.
Brush all pelts and wipe clean. No grease on pelts. Proper shaped boards.
You must be a member of the MTA. The judging will be during the meeting and the results will be announced at the end.
Only one pelt entry per species. You must be registered by 10:30.
First, Second, and Third place will be recorded. Only First Place winners will receive an award from the MTA.
Pick up pelts immediately at the end of the meeting. You can enter and still have time to give to shippers or buyers.
You will be able to view all pelts entered prior to the meeting.
