A low demand for sable pelts headlined a recent fur sale in Ontario.

The sale began on a strong foot with Wild Mink, Fisher and Otter selling out at 100% clearance rates.

Muskrat also sold out with an average U.S. price of $11.41, similar to last year.

The second stage of the wild fur sale was much tougher though.

According to a release from North American Fur Auctions a fine collection of 70,000 sable pelts only recorded sales of 30%.

Most of them were bought by an outfit in Russia.

The auction house says it hopes the low number of furs sold will translate into a better market next year.

The last stage of the sale also saw a lukewarm interest in beaver.

Just 55% of pelts from the eastern region sold compared to an ever lighter 26% of western.

The average price of a western beaver pelt was $22.50 U.S.