A warmer than usual fall is creating less than ideal conditions for Saskatchewan trappers this season.
Leonard Hardlotte is with the lands and resources branch of the Prince Albert Grand Council.
He says the warm conditions mean trappers are unable to go into a number of areas they normally would be able to at this time of year.
“There are certain places where they are not able to go right now, where they usually trap and some of the lakes and back rivers are not frozen completely so in that area, where the good trapping is, they’re not able to get out to all the areas that they want,” he says.
Hardlotte also says because of the warm conditions, a number of animal species have still not changed to their heavier winter coats.
“People were phoning and telling us and reporting that a lot the fur bearing animals hadn’t changed yet to the winter conditions, which made the fur not ready to harvest. And if it had been harvested, it would have been worth a lot less when they’re selling their furs.”
Last year, the Northern Saskatchewan Trappers’ Association held its Trappers Table in December, but this year the event has been moved to late February in Prince Albert to accommodate the warmer than usual conditions.
North American Fur Auctions has also moved its traditional February sale to late March.