Fur auction set for Saturday in Coeur d' Alene

This year's auction of furs, hides, antlers, and other items is set for Saturday, April 9 at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds in Coeur d' Alene. Items may be viewed beginning at 7:30 a.m., with the live auction running from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The sale will be conducted at 4056 N. Government Way between the 4-H and Wildlife buildings. Auction items include furs, whole carcasses, antlers, skulls and other items. All items were either found, seized as evidence or salvaged. All carcasses are considered unfit for human consumption and are sold for use of the non-edible portions only. Elk, deer and moose antlers may be sold as small bundles by weight or as single sets attached to skull plates. Fish and Game will accept only cash, cashier's check or personal check. No credit card service will be available. A taxidermist-furbuyer license is required in advance to bid on bear parts, mountain lion parts, or any furbearer. Anyone in the business of buying and selling raw hides or animal mounts is also required to possess a taxidermist-furbuyer license. Resident licenses are $40 for one year, and nonresident licenses are $170. The licenses can be purchased at any Idaho Fish and Game office. Nonresident purchasers should be aware that their state may not allow import of the hides or parts of bear, mountain lion, bobcat or otter. Be sure to check state regulations before purchasing these items. 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. For more information, contact Fish and Game's Panhandle Region office, 208-769-1414.