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

[Farmer Jones]

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.

There are lots of muskrats here, as well as beavers. It is only really economical if you trap them yourself, and maybe take them to a local First Nations village for processing.

[Liam]

If your GF is against the idea, you may want to rethink the idea of a fur sporran, or find another GF.
It is ironic, that the demand for North American furs that lead to the exploration of this continent and the dependency of the Indiginous people's on Europeans is now so unpopular, that trappers can not make a living.

[Pipersson]

Seems to be a special view on history... :-)
But in fact she is against torturing animals in farms.
The pelt of a trapped muskrat would be kind of acceptable.
So no danger trapper's work.
Though she is a complex character she is hardly representing all against fur europeans.
And I am very happy we all appreciate sophisticated individual opinions.

Tom

[Liam]

Seems to be a special view on history... :-)

Tom

The North American fur trade developed to provide Europeans with felt, particularly from beaver pelts for hats. When the demand collapsed, so did the fur trade. Which part of this history is "a special view"?