Muskrat Sporran

[Pipersson]

Hi Guys,

today I had a discussion with my GF about full mask sporrans.
I am planning on a muskrat sporran and we were wondering where the fur comes from. From bred animals or from hunting?
My GF does not like my plans at all but finds a sporran made from hunted fur a bit less inacceptable...
Any ideas?

Tom

[MacCathmhaoil]

Muskrat here in Canada are plentiful and are easily trapped in the wild. No farming of muskrat here that I am aware of, wholesale fur prices being as low as they are it probably wouldn't be feasible.

[Pipersson]

Ak ok!
I read farming them in Germany is forbidden for escaped animals did to much damage for example in coast protection and agriculture.

[pbutts]

Take a look at http://www.katemacphersonsporrans.co.uk

[Orionson]

If you contact @IsaacW he will likely be able to help you. Isaac is a man o many pairts ~ he is an accomplished Historian, Teacher, Re-enactor. In addition to being an expert on the history of North American Fur Trapping, he is himself, an experienced Trapper. He is, in short, the real deal. It's not unusual for him to have a few Muskrat pelts on hand. I'm sure that he might be able to help you out with a good pelt.

[Pipersson]

Thanks Orionson,

I am sure that would be great but I wouldn't know who could make the sporan for me here in Germany. I think my solution would be ordering by L&M or Margaret Morrisson.
So if I do so I will ask for their sources...

Thanks Tom

[Orionson]

Isaac has also made several very handsome sporrans himself. All you would really need is a cantle to start off with which could be obtained with little difficulty. A number of posters here have created some very admirable "home-made" sporrans in a plethora of styles ranging from traditional to utility and ultra modern. You would save money (which may please your lady) and have a good story to tell why people ask where you got such a handsome sporran.

There are lots of threads here focused on making DIY sporrans if you root around a bit.

[Orionson]

Of course, if you are set on buying one rather than making one, I heartily recommend that you consider The Artificer Custom Sporrans, whose link you will find at the bottom of every XMarks page. Scott is THE Best and far more reasonably priced than one might think. @artificer

Good luck with the project, which ever way you decide to go!

[Pipersson]

My DIY abilities are limited and I would fear to spoil the pelt...
No, my Lady has no problem with spending the money but what for...she isn't really fond of my idea having a dead animal hangig doen my kilted front...

[IsaacW]

Thanks for the kind words. Yes, I have trapped a few muskrats/musquash this winter. They are rather abundant and in some areas, a very large nuisance. Unlike most animals (but not unlike rabbits), muskrats have no breeding season and can have multiple sets of young in a year. Because of this, they reproduce quickly. I do not beleive they are farmed anywhere, and most forms of trapping them is rather humane (as far as humane can be when killing an animal). This said, I have not yet attempted a full mask sporran, but Kate MacPherson is top notch in that regards!