Guaranteed Advance, Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur, Fur Trade, Business Assistance

Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program

Trapper's Grubstake

Introduced in 2003/04, the Trapper’s Grubstake program is designed to provide support and offset some of the start-up costs required at the beginning of the season.

Who is eligible?

  • Individuals who hold a valid NWT General Hunting License, Special Trapping License, and/or beneficiaries of NWT land claims, who are residents in the NWT are eligible for benefits under the Prime Fur program.
  • All NWT trappers are eligible as long as they meet the minimum requirement of 20 pelts in sellable condition. The amount of pelts determines the amount given. The dollar amount varies.

How much is the Trapper’s Grubstake?

  • The amount given to you is determined by your previous year’s pelt numbers. Both good and poor quality fur is accepted but unsellable furs are not. The amount available to an individual trapper ranges from $100 to $2000.
  • Ex. The minimum requirement is 20 pelts and every pelt after 20 is worth $5. The maximum amount of pelts that can be given is 400 which makes the maximum amount to be received is $2000.

How do I receive the Trapper’s Grubstake funding?

  • Furs must be good quality.
  • You must be registered with Environment and Natural Resources the previous season.
  • Visit your local Environment and Natural Resources office to determine the amount you are eligible for.

What is the difference in fur quality?

Good Quality Fur:

  • Prime and clean.
  • Good dense fur coverage.
  • Well-handled, boarded clean leather and minor scars.
  • Bear, wolf, and wolverine must have claws, pads, intact and lips, eyes, and ears prepared to taxidermy standards.

Poor Quality Fur:

  • Not prime, rubbed.
  • Flat fur, poor coverage.
  • Poorly handled and/or over stretched.
  • Stained fur (greasy) and leather stale (yellowed) or green leather.

Accepted furs:

  • Bear, Beaver, Coyote, Fox, Lynx, Marten, Mink, Muskrat, Otter, Squirrel, Seal, Weasel, Wolf, Wolverine. 

For more information on how to prepare your pelts for maximum market value, see the Trapper Workshops section.

If interested in participating in the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur program or would like to learn more about the industry contact your regional representative.