THE FUR TRADE:

The fur trade is a responsible industry based on the sustainable use of natural resources.

After 400 years of commercial trading, there are as many beavers in Canada now as when Europeans first arrived. Thanks to excellent conservation policies, Canadian furs are abundant and absolutely no endangered species are used.

The Fur Trade contributes more than $2 billion annually to the North American economy, including more than $400 million in exports.

The North American fur trade is committed to responsible treatment of animals. Trapping methods are strictly regulated by provincial, state and territorial wildlife departments.

An International agreement signed in Canada, the United States, Russia and the European Union establishes scientific protocols for humane trapping standards.

Many Canadian families rely on beaver, muskrat and other fur animals for food as well as income. When you buy fur, you support the livelihood and culture of more than 1,000 farm families across North America.

A fine natural product, fur is biodegradable, renewable resource-it can even be restyled as fashion changes.

FARMED FURS:

Most mink and foxes are now produced on farms. Chinchillas are also farm raised, as are special breeds of sheep (e.g., karakul or persian lamb) that are used for fur.

Farmed mink and foxes are fed by-products from our own food production system. In addition to fur, these animals provide organic fertilizers, fine oils for leather protection and other products. Nothing is wasted.

Farmed fur animals receive excellent nutrition, housing and care. This is the only way to produce high quality of fur required by the market. Farmers who didn't provide excellent care for their animals would not remain in business for long.

Farmed mink and foxes are produced in accordance with recommended code of practice developed by Agriculture Canada in consultation with producers and humane societies

Farmed mink and foxes have been selectively bred for more than 100 years to produce a wide range of beautiful natural colors. Fur can now also be sheared, dyed, and textured for many new, lightweight fashion applications.

WILD FURS:

Beaver, muskrat and raccoon are some of the most abundant furs produced in nature. Other beautiful wild furs include marten (sable), fisher, fox, coyote, badger, opossum, lynx and bobcat.

Without regulation, muskrat, beaver and other species can overpopulate. Stressed and malnourished, large numbers then succumb to starvation and disease. Controlled trapping can help to maintain stable, healthy fur animal populations.

Most of the world's most beautiful wild furs are produced in Canada, the United States and Russia.

Wild furs are abundant; endangered species are NOT used in the fur trade. This is assured by strict state or provincial, federal and international regulations.

The fur trade uses only a small part of the surplus produced by nature each year. This is what biologists call " sustainable use of renewable resources"- a principle that is now endorsed by all major conservation organizations including the World Conservation Union and the World Wildlife Fund.

Beaver, muskrat and other fur animals also provide food for many aboriginals and remote communities: animals not used for food are returned to nature to feed other wildlife through the winter.

With new designs and processing techniques, wild furs are more lightweight and versatile than ever-ideal for today's active lifestyles!

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources Ontario, Canada trapper's contribute to more than $40 million raised annually to fund fish and wildlife conservation and management in Ontario through licence fees and royalties paid to the province.

Fur bearing populations are monitored by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Many species like raccoon, beaver and coyote are near record levels of abundance.

Fur Coat and Jacket Storage

Fur coats and jackets should be stored in cold storage during the summer months which is the only way to increase the life of fur and leather made garments. Good storage also helps maintain the value and beauty of your fur coats and jackets. Cold storage is necessary to protect fur coats and jackets from the summers excessive heat and humidity which can lead to the drying out of the natural oils in fur. Drying out of skins is irreversible and this is why proper maintenance of your fur coat is of great importance. Fur storage vaults are generally large dark rooms, the lack of light protects the fur coats and jackets from oxidizing or changing color. The vault temperature and humidity levels are monitored and controlled constantly.

If you are planning on storing your fur coats and jackets it is important to use a reputable business that specializes in fur storage.

Fur coats should only be cleaned by a furriers method and not a dry cleaner.

Caring for your Fur Coats and Jackets.

• " Never store your fur coat or jacket in a plastic bag, cedar chest or freezer. While at home your fur coat or jacket should be kept in a cool dry place.
• " Never leave a fur garment in bright light or in direct sunlight as this may cause the color to fade.
• " All fur repairs should be conducted by a professional furrier only.
• Your fur coat or jacket should be cleaned by a specialized furrier yearly to remove dust and pollution. The cleaning process is not harmful to the garment and will restore its original lustre.
• " Fur coats and jackets should be stored in a temperature controlled and relative humidity controlled environment during the warm summer months.
• " Avoid placing your fur garment near a heat source as this will cause the natural oils in the fur garments to dry out. If your garment becomes wet hang on a sturdy hanger away from direct heat and shake well.
• " Cover all car seats with 100% natural fibre, such as cotton or wool. Synthetic materials cause friction, resulting in worn or matted areas. To reduce the stress on your fur coats or jackets, unfasten them while travelling.
• " For any additional information on the caring of your fur garment contact us for advice

What to look for when purchasing fur coats or jackets:

You may be looking to purchase a new fur coat or jacket for work, evening wear or casual wear. There are some important things to consider when you are looking at purchasing a fur coat or jacket.

• " Do the fur pelts match in color and texture?
• " Are the fur pelts lustrous and shiny?
• " Is the under fur dense and soft? The under fur on male pelts is generally coarser than female pelts.
• " Most importantly, is the fur garment comfortable to wear and is the weight comfortable for you?
• " The fur seams should be sewn tightly
• " Fur coats or jackets should fall comfortably and evenly from your shoulders
• " The most popular furs are mink, beaver, raccoon, fox, sable, chinchilla and muskrat.

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