Fur auction coming to Coeur d’Alene

For the first time in seven years, the annual Idaho Department of Fish and Game hide and fur auction will take place in Coeur d’Alene. Each year, the department sells hides, furs, antlers and horns confiscated from poachers or taken from road kill. The auction, held in different locations around the state, raises money for Fish and Game’s general fund. More than 100 items will be sold at the May 1 auction, which takes place at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, 4056 N. Government Way. Viewing begins at 10 a.m. and the bidding starts at noon. This year, several wolf hides and skulls will be auctioned off, said Phil Cooper, a wildlife education coordinator. Some of the hides come from animals killed because they preyed on livestock. Most of the skins are “green hides,” which still need tanning, Cooper said. Confiscated camping gear, fishing rods and firearms also will be sold at the auction. A taxidermist-furbuyer license is required to bid on bear parts, mountain lion parts or any furbearer for anyone in the business of buying and selling hides or animal mounts. Resident licenses are $40 for one year, and nonresident licenses are $170. The licenses, which must be purchased in advance, are available at the Idaho Fish and Game office, 2885 W. Kathleen Ave. For more information contact the office at (208) 769-1414.