Coyote Pelt Prices Expected to Increase

Oct. 24, 2003 -- The harvest of coyotes and their pelts is directly proportional to pelt prices. For the past decade, pelt prices have been depressed, therefore, the coyote harvest fell to a fraction of the levels seen in the 1970s and 1980s. Most coyote hunting in the 1990s was recreational or for purposes of reducing depredation on livestock. By the late 1990s, few coyotes were skinned and processed because the effort was not worth the value.

This trend has now turned as coyote fur has become a highly preferred item with the high-fashion industry in Europe. The fashion industry is once again using coyote fur as an alternative to ranch fox to trim clothing. There is also increased demand for coyote hats, scarves and bedspreads.

In the United States, a sizable harvest could occur this winter as prices are expected to rise into the $25 to $35 range for average pelts and $35 to $45 range for large sized, high country pelts in their prime.

Staff contact: Tom McDonnell, ext. 54

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